When the Fall comes, a lot of what we see changes, and how we use lenses to get the best out of it might change as well.
In This Article
After summer ends, and the bright greens and clear skies with it, the trees change colors to red and yellow and the clouds become thicker and more prevalent. Many people feel the Fall is the most colorful and beautiful time of the year.
What is the best way to use sunglass lenses to enhance the view?
Sunny or Cloudy
First off, it depends on whether the skies are clear or not. Brilliant blue skies are less common in the Fall than in the Summer, but when that happens it doesn't particularly matter which lens is worn. Even a plain grey lens will suffice, as long as it removes glare and allows the brilliance of the changing colors to shine.
The only lens I would recommend against wearing is a blue-tinted lens (not blue-mirrored). This lens will tamp down on the reds and yellows and dull the view.
Some lenses will be more brilliant than others, however. The way it works for the Fall is this: Any lens that you enjoy when it is overcast will be even better in full sun. Green and Grey lenses will only be good in full sun. Let's take a look at each lens color.
Green Lenses
Though many trees do change colors, many do not, most notably evergreen trees. Using green lenses will boost the greens while keeping the reds and yellows bright enough to be pleasant. Green lenses have the interesting feature that they can block a lot of light but still have a relatively bright effect compared to grey lenses because our eyes are most sensitive to green.
This makes them well-suited to bright days when we would want the colors to be stable, as the warmth of the reds and yellows are already enough to add plenty of color to the view. Green lenses are excellent for the summer and they remain pleasant and comfortable on sunny Fall days, especially if you find the colors overwhelming and a brown or rose would be too much.
They perform poorly in overcast conditions, however. Once the overall light level is decreased and the clouds cause a diffused effect which lowers contrast, green lenses will be too dull and dark.
Here is green in sunny conditions. I modeled it with the Serengeti 555nm lens (Amazon).
Here is how it looks with overcast conditions. Not ideal.
Brown Lenses
Brown lenses are arguably the best lenses in the Fall. This is because they boost reds and yellows while keeping greens bright. Only the blues of the sky are somewhat negatively impacted, though the number of bright sky days is limited in the Fall anyway.
The bright colors brown lenses produce are spectacular. They work well in full sun and are wonderful in overcast conditions where they add color and contrast and even make it feel brighter.
Here is how they look in full sun. This is modeled on the Maui Jim HCL Bronze lens (Amazon). The Serengeti Drivers (Amazon) lens is also amazing for these conditions. A great budget option is Island Optics brown lens or green mirror lens.
Here is how it looks with overcast conditions. Brighter, more colorful, and more contrast.
You cannot go wrong with brown lenses for the Fall.
Rose Lenses
With rose lenses, we get an interesting mix of the effects of brown and green lenses. This is because rose lenses boost reds and blues, while greens are relatively subdued. That means the reds of the trees will be as red as they can be, but the sky will be a brilliant blue as well, once your eyes adjust. Greens will be fine, but not bright. It will feel like a grey lens with colors boosted to some degree.
Here is how they look in full sun. This is modeled on the Revo Drive lens, but the Serengeti Sedona (Amazon) or Maui Jim Rose (Amazon) lenses will be great as well.
In overcast conditions, it depends. If it's hazy or relatively bright overcast, rose lenses work very well, like in the Oakley Prizm pictures here. In darker overcast skies category 3 rose lenses may feel too dark.
Conclusion - Best Sunglass Lenses for the Fall
In conclusion, as Fall arrives and the landscape transforms into a vibrant mix of reds, yellows, and muted greens, choosing the right lenses can significantly enhance your visual experience. Whether you're dealing with sunny or overcast conditions, there's a lens that can bring out the best in the season's colors. Green lenses excel on bright, sunny days, keeping the greens vivid while allowing the reds and yellows to shine. Brown lenses, the most versatile for Fall, amplify the warmth of reds and yellows and offer excellent contrast, even in overcast weather. Rose lenses provide a unique mix, enhancing reds and blues, making them ideal for both bright and mildly overcast skies. With the right pair of lenses, you can fully enjoy Fall’s spectacular display, no matter the weather.
For what it's worth, I wear the Serengeti Drivers the most in the Fall. The combination of brown and rose blows me away every time.
