Oakley makes a wide variety of lenses for all conditions and activities. Prizm Tungsten is one of the best and most versatile lenses Oakley makes.
Check out the Prizm Tungsten lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Oakley's website).
If you want to know more about how brown lenses work, click here.
In This Review
Lens Specs | Oakley Prizm Tungsten Polarized |
Technology | Prizm |
Lens Color | Brown |
Mirror Color | Silver (subtle) |
VLT | 14% |
ABBE | 30 |
Coatings | Mirror Coating |
Material | Plutonite (Polycarbonate) |
Weight | Light |
Scratch Resistance | Low |
Prescription Available | Yes |
4 |
For a detailed overview of Oakley Prizm lenses, including common specifications and features, check out this guide. It covers important aspects like lens coatings, impact resistance, scratch resistance, and care guidelines - key considerations given the lack of coatings and lower scratch resistance associated with Prizm lenses.
To decide between the polarized and non-polarized versions, refer to our comprehensive guide here.
Is it eligible for prescription?
Yes
For non-prescription, check out the Prizm Tungsten lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Oakley's website).
How does the lens look?
The front is brown with a subtle silver mirror, more of an extra reflective coating than a full mirror.
The back is a brown tint, which is an interesting bright hue that leans more towards red, but not a deep red. There is no anti-reflective coating on the lens.
What does the view look like?
Adding warmth to sunglass lenses can enhance the vibrancy and richness of the environment by balancing the overwhelming effect of high-energy blue light, which often dulls other colors. Brown lenses are particularly effective at filtering out blue light compared to green or red lenses, resulting in a warmer, more colorful view. This warmth can improve visual clarity and may even contribute to a sense of alertness, energy, and positivity.
The Prizm Tungsten lens takes this to a new level. The Prizm technology was ramped up for this lens and it feels sort of like video game colors, in a good way. The reds are very prominent and the blues are tamped down heavily, but the greens really stand out here. Normally, a brown lens only slightly enhances greens relative to reds but with the Tungsten lens, the greens are glowing neon.
This lens takes me a minute or two for my eyes to adjust, because it is a fairly color-altering lens, and does not feel "natural" in the way other brown lenses do. I want to stress again that I do not mean that in a bad way at all, and it is the kind of experience you need to see for yourself to understand. The pop of the colors can best be described as "fun", and I bet Oakley had a lot of fun making this lens.
Anecdotally, older people that I show this lens to are not interested but so far anyone under 40 has taken a quick liking to it.
Sunny Conditions
These photos are what Oakley and other sources have used to show the view. 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 Oakley Tungsten lens for yourself? Check out the Prizm Tungsten on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Oakley's website).
This simulation that Oakley uses is for all the bronze-based Prizm lenses but that is not entirely accurate. This photo is more true for the Prizm Ruby than the Tungsten. The Tungsten will be more red, more neon, and less natural looking.
Here is my simulation of how the lens looks:
This is close, but doesn't do it full justice. The greens will be brighter, but otherwise, the sky, road, and buildings are accurate. It will be much more colorful and vibrant than the Prizm Black.
Here is what a bright haze day will look like:
Cloudy Conditions
The Prizm Tungsten lens performs well in overcast and mixed-light conditions, particularly in bright haze where its ability to enhance brightness and color stands out. It adds warmth and vibrancy, making it more pleasant than grey or green lenses, which can feel too dim in these settings.
However, as a darker lens, it’s not the best choice for cooler, dimly lit environments. While effective in cloudy conditions, its reddish tint and darker tone can feel less suitable than lighter brown lenses designed for low-light scenarios.
The color enhancement works better with more light. As the light levels go down, the ability of the Tungsten lens to enhance colors diminishes, though it still works well. This is not the most versatile lens Oakley has, but it is close.
Optimal and Suboptimal Viewing Conditions
I enjoy the Tungsten in full sun, where the color-enhancing Prizm tech has full effect. It feels "hot" and energetic. 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 work well and this lens is fairly versatile.
They work well in overcast as well, adding warmth and color to lifeless days. They can be a bit darker though, so they work better on brighter overcast days.
I find the Tungsten to be underwhelming in the winter. It makes everything look dirty when there is no green to boost. Very red environments like desert conditions are also too "hot" looking to be comfortable with this lens.
Sports
The Prizm Tungsten works well for sports in both sunny and overcast conditions. The color and contrast it provides, as well as the energetic tint, help with acuity, comfort, and perception.
Keep in mind, for long exposure in bright conditions the Tungsten may be fatiguing, even though the view is nice. I wouldn't do offshore boating or fishing with them if I had other options, but again, they will work well in most conditions.
Oakley is renowned for sports and the lenses are virtually unbreakable.
Interested in experiencing the Prizm Tungsten lens for yourself? Click here to buy on Amazon.
Comparison to the same brand - Oakley
Oakley Prizm Black Polarized
Prizm Black Polarized is a grey-based lens, as opposed to the Tungsten which is bronze-based. The Black will feel a lot cooler and more comfortable in full sun, but not perform nearly as well in overcast or mixed conditions. The Prizm Black has a subtle black mirror on it. It is the darkest and most understated Prizm lens.
See here for the full Prizm Black review.
Oakley Prizm Sapphire Polarized
The Prizm Sapphire is the same grey base and Prizm tech as the Prizm Black lens but with a brilliant blue mirror instead of a black mirror. The effect of the blue mirror is to remove blue and make the lens lean towards amber, which is explained further here. The Sapphire has a warmer view that feels like an upgraded version of the Prizm Black. I wear the Sapphire more.
See here for the full Prizm Sapphire review.
Oakley Prizm Ruby Polarized
Prizm Ruby is a red-mirrored variation of the Tungsten lens, designed to reflect red light and bring the view closer to a neutral balance in comparison. The result is stunning, with colors enhanced more than Prizm Black or Sapphire but without the exaggerated vibrancy of Tungsten. The visual experience is widely appreciated, though the bold aesthetic of the red mirror lens might not appeal to everyone.
Prizm Ruby was my introduction to the world of premium sunglass lenses, and its performance left a lasting impression. It strikes an excellent balance between color enhancement and natural tones, making it a versatile and visually impressive option.
Comparison to the Brown Lenses of Different Brands
Maui Jim HCL Bronze
The Maui Jim HCL Bronze lens is a premier brown lens and excels at everything. It comes with the option of superthin glass or non-glass materials and comes with all coatings (which the Tungsten does not). The PolarizedPlus2 technology makes the colors in the view pop with color in the most natural way. The lens is a more yellow-brown vs the red-brown Tungsten. It works excellently in full sun and overcast and is arguably the best and more versatile lens you can buy.
See here for the full Maui Jim HCL Bronze review.
Serengeti Drivers
The only lens that can compete with the Maui Jim HCL Bronze, the rose-brown Drivers is arguably the most beautiful lens to look through. The lens is photochromic, which will be better for overcast but will not be as as dark as the Tungsten in full sun. A fantastic overall option and my most worn lens, it comes with all coatings, in glass, and with polarized and non polarized options.
See here for the full Serengeti Drivers review.
Ray-Ban B15
Possibly the most iconic brown lens, the Ray-Ban B15 has a pleasant hue that works well in most environments. It has no color-enhancing technology but does come in glass with anti-reflective coating. The view is less exciting and interesting than the Tungsten, but a solid brown lens nonetheless.
See here for the full Ray-Ban B15 review.
Costa Del Mar 580 Green Mirror
Costa’s darkest brown lens designed to be used in full sun, it is redder than the Tungsten and feels darker and more saturated. It comes in glass, with all coatings, and an encapsulated mirror to prevent scratches. More comfortable than the Tungsten in full sun, but borders on too dark for regular overcast conditions.
See here for the full Costa 580 Green Mirror review.
Conclusion - Oakley Prizm Tungsten Polarized Lens Review - Should you buy it?
The Oakley Prizm Tungsten lens offers a unique and vibrant visual experience, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of activities and lighting conditions. Its ability to enhance colors and contrast sets it apart from most other Prizm lenses, especially in bright or mixed-light environments. Whether you're exploring the outdoors or engaging in sports, this lens delivers clarity and vibrancy that’s hard to beat.
To avoid the issue of lack of AR coating, go for a wrap frame that does not let the sun in from the sides or top. Otherwise, there are better options for the same price. To me, the great color enhancement doesn't make up for the lack of coatings and weak scratch resistance.
If you're interested in trying out the Prizm Tungsten lens, you can find it on Amazon, often at a lower price than Oakley's official website.
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