Personal recommendations for opera glasses
 

Will purchase (moderately priced) opera glasses for an upcoming trip in September to France. Binoculars are way too big and bulky. The opera glasses need to be well made, capable of withstanding the rigors of traveling in a backpack or shoulder bag. Any personal recommendations? Thanks!

You might want to look at travelsmith.com

When you buy one of the mini type binoculars there is a compromise with quality.

There are many compact binoculars on the market. Try the REI site or any sporting goods store. We have a small pair that we take with us to the opera and when we plan on doing some hiking while we travel. They're lightwieght and have endured some knocking about. Because we've had them a few years I forgot what we paid - under $100 certainly. They fit easily into my husband's pocket when we go to the opera.
Enjoy the opera.

Hi mkdiebold, I actaully have two pair of opera glasses. But they were purchased ages ago so don't even know if they are available now but they are certainly fantastic and not heavy.

One is a Nikon 7 X 21 7.1 Model 527625. The other is a Nikon 6 X 18 8
Model 414766

Both of course have a cushy leather zippered case. I don't remember what we paid for them, we bought them at a camera store. They have been on my trips and are still like new.

Thanks for the advice. We may not make it to an opera while in Paris even though doing so would be really wonderful. We want the "glasses" for viewing the windows at Chartres. I'm sure they'll come in handy for other high and distant focal points. I'll be sure to check out your suggestions.

Opera glasses are generally not strong enough for outdoor or long-distance viewing. Try a compact Audubon model.

Underhill: What is an Audubon model? Are they for bird watching? Should I just do a google search? Do you have a recommendation?

FauxSteMarie obviously has no experience with "opera glasses". We picked up same at Magellans.com which are spectacular. Mini, and absolutely magnificent!