Whether you are spending an evening at the opera or a Sunday in the woods looking for birds, the best compact binoculars are small and light enough to take anywhere. Though bird watching binoculars often have a protective coating that opera glasses don't, they are very similar. Both are handy ways to catch the action, on stage or in the sky. The best compact binoculars are optically ground and have a special coating for protection. You pay more for these types of lenses but it is worth it for making them last longer and for how well you can see out of your binoculars. Opera glasses can be dainty looking, especially if they are the lorgnette type with a handle to help you hold them. Margaret Dumont in "A Night at the Opera" is the classic rich lady out for an elegant evening's entertainment with her lorgnette opera glasses. These often have an exotic wood or mother of pearl covering and are considered a fashion accessory. More common for theater goers are basic binoculars in the compact size. These are at home on an evening out or in the woods looking for one-of-a-kind migrating birds. It is best to test out the glasses before buying to make sure the focus and magnification meet your needs. Share