Island Optics makes superior sunglasses with a focus on optics while keeping the price far below competitors. With their Brown 12 lens, they have a certified winner.
Check out the Brown 12 lens here.
If you want to know more about how brown lenses work, click here.
In This Review
Comparison to the same brand lenses - Island Optics
Lens Specs | Island Optics Brown 12 |
Technology | N/A |
Lens Color | Brown |
Mirror Color | N/A |
VLT | 12% |
ABBE | 40 |
Coatings | Anti-reflective, Scratch-resistant, Oleophobic, Hydrophobic, UV |
Material | Nylon |
Weight | Light |
Scratch Resistance | Moderate |
Prescription Available | Yes |
3 |
The clarity on the Island Optics lenses is great, on par with similar nylon lenses from brands like Revo and Randolph. It's a decent step up on polycarbonate lenses that are so often used by brands that have not put any effort into improving optics. Glass lenses are still a tad clearer, and they take the tint a bit better, but you would only notice if you had both in your hand and swapped between them a few times.
The coatings are all there but are more subtle than what I've seen from other brands. The anti-reflective coating doesn't shine as much on the inside of the lens, and the water and oil-resistant coating works well enough, but not as aggressively as some others. This is nitpicking, as the most important factor with these coatings is just that they are present and work.
All Island Optics lenses are polarized.
Is it eligible for prescription?
Yes, Island Optics makes prescription lenses with all their coatings, at a very competitive price. Arguably the best value prescription sunglass lenses you can buy.
How does the lens look?
The front looks like a standard brown tint, with no mirror.
The back doesn't have much of a shine from the anti-reflective coating, but it's there. The tint is great though. The brown is softer and more yellow than most other brown lenses, and it has a faint hint of rose to it. This makes it as close in tint to the elite Serengeti Drivers lens as any other lens I've tried. That isn't to say it is the same as the Drivers in all respects, just that the color rendering from the tint is similar.
What does the view look like?
Adding warmth to lenses enhances color richness, making the world appear more vibrant. Brown lenses are especially effective because they block more blue light than green or red, reducing the cooler tones and sharpening color clarity. This warmth not only improves visibility but also gives a boost to mood and alertness.
Looking through the Brown 12 feels like seeing the world with fresh eyes—colors are naturally warm and full of life.
As mentioned previously, the Brown 12 has a similar tint to the Serengeti Drivers lens and though the Brown 12 doesn't have the same technology and magic of the Drivers, the tint and view are fairly similar. The Brown 12 are not photochromic like the Drivers, which will make them darker in general and especially behind a windshield.
Sunny Conditions
Some brown lenses can feel overwhelming in direct sunlight, often pushing reds forward while suppressing blues. The Brown 12, however, has a hint of rose that balances this, making the view vibrant without over-saturation. As you can see below, the blues are darkened (slightly reddened) but in a pleasant, natural way.
Keep in mind that photos will never look as good as the real view looking through the sunglasses with your own eyes.
Interested in experiencing the Brown 12 lens for yourself? Check it out here.
The Brown 12 adds a perfect amount of warmth and color without overdoing it. The grey is more calm and cool, with the colors left as is, but that may not be as ideal for driving or casual use as what the Brown 12 lens provides. Personally, I really enjoy the color boost of the Brown lens.
Cloudy Conditions
The Brown 12 lens truly excels in cloudy or mixed light conditions. Its versatility brings out vibrant colors even in lower-contrast lighting, brightening the view and enhancing visibility. Unlike grey or green lenses that can feel too dark and dull, this lens adds a touch of warmth and color that makes the surroundings feel more inviting and lively.
Optimal and Suboptimal Viewing Conditions
I find the Brown 12 lens particularly useful in mixed and overcast lighting, where its color-enhancing qualities brighten up a dull day. Unlike grey or green lenses that can feel dark or lifeless, the Brown 12 adds a gentle warmth and color boost, enhancing landscapes in a way that’s both subtle and pleasing.
They may not be the absolute best lens to wear in bright conditions, as a grey or green may be more comfortable for long durations, but they are still excellent and this lens is remarkably versatile.
Of all the Island Optics lenses, I think the Brown 12 provides the nicest view.
Sports
These lenses work well for sports in both sunny and overcast conditions. The color and contrast they provide, as well as an energetic tint, help with acuity, comfort, and perception.
Keep in mind for long exposure in bright conditions the Brown 12 may be fatiguing, even though the view is great. I wouldn't do offshore boating or fishing with them if I had other options, but again, they will work well in any conditions.
Interested in experiencing the Brown 12 lens for yourself?
Comparison to the same brand - Island Optics
Island Optics Blue Flash Mirror
The Island Optics Blue Flash Mirror lens is the Brown 12 lens with blue mirror added. The mirror reflects away even more blue light and a result the tint is more red, so red in fact that it comes close to the same tint as Costa Del Mar Green Mirror lens. This means the warmth and color enhancement will be dialed up even more. I would argue this makes the Blue Flash more functional, and great for sports like sight fishing, but the Brown 12 is better for a nicer view and for everyday use.
Island Optics Green Flash Mirror
The Costa Del Mar Green Flash Mirror lens is a rose lens, similar in tint to Maui Jim Rose. Reds and blues will be more prominent with the green mirror, but greens will be relatively diminished. The view may be more or less enjoyable depending on the setting, similar to how rose and brown lenses always have certain conditions they thrive in. The Brown 12 will be more versatile.
Island Optics Grey12/Red Sunset Mirror
Both the Grey 12 and the Red Sunset Mirror are fairly standard grey lenses, with the benefit of a better nylon lens and the proper coatings added. Grey lenses will be more comfortable for full sun and less useful in overcast conditions.
Comparison to Lenses of Different Brands
Smith Chromapop Brown
The Smith Chromapop Brown (not the glass version) is a much more saturated tint than the Brown 12. It takes a minute to adjust to and the view has a slight burnt feel to it, almost like a sunset effect. I know some people who really enjoy it but I do not really, though it is an overall good lens.
Costa Del Mar 580P Copper
Even redder than the Smith, the Costa Del Mar Copper lens (not the glass ones) is a heavy brown tint that is suited more to full sun than versatility across all conditions. It feels darker than the Brown 12, and less alive.
Kaenon B12
The Kaenon B12 lens is very similar to the Smith lens, with a redder and more saturated view. The ultra lens adds more yellow to the tint and brings more life to the view by making greens more natural. This lens is also more geared towards full sun than mixed conditions.
Conclusion - Island Optics Brown 12 Polarized Lens Review - Should you buy it?
If this Island Optics Brown 12 lens review ended here I think it would have done justice to the Brown 12 lens, a really solid, versatile, and pleasant lens.
What we have not discussed up until this point is the price, which is where it stands out. I usually do not discuss price much as most brands that produce lenses worth talking about are in the $200-$500 range and there is a lot of overlap. But Island Optics sunglasses are priced between $75-$110.
This makes them fantastic value for anyone looking for an above-average pair of sunglasses or for someone with premium sunglasses looking for a beater pair that won't ruin their view.
The other brands I compared to the Brown 12 are all significantly more expensive, for no noticeable improvement. The Serengeti Drivers, which the Brown 12 is around 85% of the quality, is at least three times more expensive.
I would highly recommend checking out the Island Optics Brown 12 lens.
Comments