BARSKA 3x25 Blueline Opera Glass with Handle, Silver

Having lost my expensive opera glasses during a recent trip to the theater, I got these as a bargain-price last minute replacement. I honestly didn't expect too much, but just wanted to have something to keep the kids from griping that they couldn't see the stage well enough in a very large opera house here. I was definitely surprised to find that these were in fact good enough for not just kids, but even for discerning adults used to better quality optics. These are keepers, no need to go back to the expensive ones!These opera glasses have 2 focus adjustments, which allow you to get a clear picture in both lenses even when your eyesight is not the same left-and-right. After adjusting for one eye using the center knob, you then adjust for the other eye using the diopter wheel on the front of that lens. It allowed me to get a perfect adjustment even though I am incredibly nearsighted in one eye and only half so much in the other.I especially like the fact that the telescoping handle can be extended and tightened in the long position---the perfect height to then allow the user to rest an elbow on the armrest of the seat and look through the glasses without any arm strain (or raising your elbows up to hold the glasses, which might obstruct the view or personal space of those seated nearby).Note: I used these from a box seat only about 10 rows back from the stage. The magnification for that distance was perfect for us, but might not be enough if you have very high seats in a huge theater setting.

First: I bought two Opera Glasses on the same day; the "Zhumell Metropolitan Opera Glass" for $29.98 and the "BARSKA 3x25 Blueline Opera Glass with Handle, Silver" for $42.79. Excepting the color and the packaging; these products are absolutely identical. These are obviously made in the same place to the same quality standards, so there is no reason to pay more for one over another, unless a particular color is that important to you.Second: The center focus system works, but there is too much side-to-side play; the lenses rock back and forth slightly on the focus mechanism, so one side will be blurry when the other side comes into focus. It is not difficult to re-center it because it rocks back and forth freely, but this also means that once you've got the focus even, it will be uneven again once you bump or jostle it a bit.Final word: These opera glasses are ARE WAY OVERPRICED - worth $10 - $15, max. Though they are built of quality materials, they are not made well, they do not work very well and there are equivalent options available for much cheaper. By the way - there is absolutely no brushed metal anywhere on this product - there is chromed brass and grey, colored plastic.One last thought - the Barska glasses have a strange smell compared to the Zhumell - it's an oily, burnt odor - not terribly pleasant when holding these things just above your nose (where I generally keep my eyes).

Haven't used them yet, but attractive and small enough to put in evening purse. I like the handle so I don't have to use my arms and keep my elbows down while avoiding to elbow the person next to me

Works as designed, but is definitely a lower quality than buying nicer binoculars. I have had trouble with the extender/handle also. The first opera I attended, these worked great, and the handle worked well. The second opera we attended, the handle stopped working. I could not figure out how to fix it during the performance, so I just propped up my elbow on the arm of my seat.

Wasn't a huge fan, I would not buy again and would not recommend. The magnification was good and they look fancy, however the structure of the product was pretty weak. For example, the handle to hold the glasses was not tight enough and it was unable to hold the glasses in place (I ended up just holding as if they were binoculars). They weren't the worst things I'd purchased though, hence 2 stars.

The Opera glasses were a huge success. I had so many patrons sitting near me asking where I bought them. They look quite posh and the work extremely well. I can now see what I was missing in the plays. Very pleased with this purchase.

Poor quality glasses. Nice look but pretty much useless as far as using them for the reason you purchase them. Be sure to check return policy! Not sold by Amazon, so you have to pay return shipping and lose 20% on restocking fee. Poor quality and lose money. No thank you! Shop elsewhere!!

I bought these for my daughter and her two friends for a birthday party at the ballet. They are fairly heavy glasses that feel very substantial in my hands. The screws hold nicely together - there was no worry of the handle screw letting the glasses fall or of the lens pieces not holding in place. The girls oohed and aahed over them and were all delighted to get to keep them. They have a fairly wide focus range and are clear to look through.I wish the glasses had come with a fabric bag (maybe velvet?). The fake plastic/leather bag isn't very nice at all, and the girls all discarded those immediately. Something as nice as these glasses deserves a little luxe in the carrying case.

How much fun is this! I'm loving this product, especially the extensible handles! I'm really glad it's silver as well. Very modern!

Poor quality

VERY USEFULL