Opera glasses - buy antique or new?
My husband and I are going to our first opera next month at the Met in New York City. We are going to see Carmen. We're not sure if we'll like it or not, so we bought cheap seats. I think we'll need to get some opera glasses so that we can see up close. I have no clue what we need. I looked on ebay and saw some beautiful antique opera glasses - are antiques as nice as new ones? Should we each get a pair, or is one pair likely to suffice? Thanks for any advice.
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If you buy antique opera glasses, you will also need to take a lot of pills for your subsequent migraine - the focal quality of the glass is not always good, and never adjustable. Get a really small pair of good binoculars - nobody cares of you have something with rhinestones on it, but YOU will care about focus and clarity. We go to the Met often - we are Guild members - and often get cheap seats - Family Circle - because I would rather hear well that see every detail. I *really* hate the side boxes - partial stage view, so if you DO want to see something, it's always on the *other* side of the stage! You do know that the text will scroll on the back of the seat in front of you, so you can easily keep up in English - and you also know that Carmen is LOOOOONG - over 3 hours. You'll know that *hits* - but there is a long time between each one.
So - dress comfy but nice, get there EARLY if you want to park under the Met (or park under Juilliard across the street - nice valet garage, a little cheaper. You can also RESERVE parking under the Met - call ahead - I think it is $37. Have nice meal - away from Lincoln Center, unless you LIKE overpaying. Restaurant Row (near the Marriott Marquis - 46th st, between 8th and 9th ave) is always a great place to eat - lots of good deals.
So - enjoy the opera. Read up ahead of time, if you do not know the plot, etc. And count on REALLY long restroom lines . . . .yikes . . . .head there FIRST.