Serengeti makes some of the best sunglasses for bright and mixed conditions and the Serengeti Sedona lens is easily one of the best and most versatile lenses on the market today.
Check out the Serengeti Sedona lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Serengeti's website).
If you want to know more about how rose lenses work, click here.
This Serengeti Sedona lens review is only for the Serengeti Sedona in mineral glass lenses, not the Saturn or PhD 2.0 lenses.
In This Review
Lens Specs
How does the lens look?
What does the view look like?
Sunny Condition
Cloudy Conditions
Sports
Comparison to same brand lenses - Serengeti
Comparison to Rose Lenses of Different Brands
Conclusion: Should you buy it?
Lens Specs | Serengeti Sedona |
Technology | Spectral Control, Photochromic |
Lens Color | Rose |
Mirror Color | Bi-gradient Silver/Subtle Silver |
VLT | Bi-Mirror 10% to 16%, Category 3 to Category 3. No mirror 8% to 16%. |
ABBE | 58 |
Coatings | Anti-reflective, Scratch-resistant, Oleophobic, Hydrophobic, UV, Infrared and Blue-light blocking |
Material | Glass |
Weight | Moderate |
Scratch Resistance | High |
Prescription Available | Yes |
2 |
The clarity of the Serengeti Sedona is off the charts because of the quality of the mineral glass lens and the fine-tuning of colors.
The mineral lenses are made with borosilicate optical glass, from Corning, which is 20% thinner and lighter than standard glass. They provide exceptional visual acuity.
They are also chemically tempered to ensure scratch and impact resistance.
All Serengeti lenses are photochromic, adapting to any light condition in any setting. They are activated by the amount of UV radiation in the atmosphere and engineered to gradually transition from light to dark.
In bright conditions, UV radiation is more intense. The lens molecules expand in size, darkening the lenses. Less light can then pass through.
In darker conditions, UV radiation is less intense. The molecules shrink and separate, lightening the lenses. More light can pass through.
Your eyes are always protected and receive the optimal amount of light needed at any time and in all weather conditions.
The lens's visible light transmission (VLT) is Bi-Mirror 10% to 16% in the Bi-Mirror, and 8% to 16% in the standard lens, which has a subtle silver mirror. This means the lens will always be fairly dark (the classic Ray-Ban lenses come in 15% VLT, for reference). Unlike the other Serengeti lenses that can range from 8% to as high as 25%, the Sedona does not change darkness much with a very low range. Functionally, you will not notice a change.
As to whether the photochromic lenses darken behind a UV-protective windshield, you can read about that here.
The lenses include a light management technology called "Spectral Control". Besides dealing with potentially harmful High Energy Blue light, Serengeti claims the filter "enhances a natural color balance and improves contrasts and perception by acting like an “HD” visual equalizer to achieve the perfect mix of colors across all conditions. It selectively manages light wavelengths, distinguishing reds, greens, and yellows. Landscapes that would be washed out, dull or flat with other lenses become defined, vibrant, and vivid — while your eyes remain cool and relaxed."
I do not know why the lens is called "Sedona". The name likely reflects the lens's ability to bring out vivid colors and details in outdoor settings, similar to the breathtaking scenery of Sedona, Arizona. That is my guess.
Is it eligible for prescription?
Yes, one of the only brands that makes mineral glass lenses.
Glass lenses are available +2.50 to -3.50* (Cyl +3.00) - Conventional surfacing and +2.50 to +4.00 and -3.50 to -7.00 * (Cyl +3.00) - VarioDrive Thin Design.
In Trivex, prescriptions can go from +6.00 to –8.00* (Cyl 4.00) for the Serengeti® sunglasses range.
Flightsunglasses.com has partnered with Serengeti to provide these options, though many local options may be able to work with Serengeti as well, depending on location and availability.
For non-prescription, check out the Serengeti Sedona lens on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Serengeti's website).
How does the lens look?
The front has a silver look with a rose undertone. One version has a subtle bi-gradient silver mirror on the top and bottom of the lens, which acts as if the lens is “squinting” for the wearer. The effect of the mirrors is very easy to get used to and it is not noticeable when wearing, especially since the sky is usually brighter than what we see in front of us.
The back has a blue shine from the anti-reflective coating. The color is rose. The mirror effect of a silver mirror is to darken the areas but not change the tint.
What does the view look like?
I highly recommend reading about how rose lenses work to understand why such a prominent tint does not make the view unbearably red and instead feels like a boosted grey lens.
As mentioned in that post and this one, the view will start with a heavy red cast for about two minutes until our eyes and brains adjust.
Rose lenses boost reds especially, but also blues. They allow less green light through, but our eyes are more sensitive to green light, making a sort of bright equilibrium of colors. The view is redder but that mostly adds warmth and color enhancement to everything. Blues are a deeper shade and greens become much more defined and contrasted.
Sunny Conditions
These photos are what Serengeti 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 Serengeti Sedona lens for yourself? Check out the Serengeti Sedona on Amazon (which is often cheaper than Serengeti's website).
This picture is what Serengeti uses on its product page for the Sedona but it does not represent a good view of the lens. It is more accurate to say it is a good depiction of the tint.
Here is my simulation of how the lens looks:
The Sedona takes a hot view and makes it even hotter. The definition and contrast in the trees are brought out beautifully. The sand, already very red, gets a pinkish hue. The sky becomes a deep, dark blue.
A grey lens will feel much calmer and duller compared to the rose, but it may be easier to wear for long durations. This is because a rose lens can feel very hot in an already hot and sunny place.
In an area with a lot of green but also other bright colors, rose lenses perform wonderfully, as they keep the greens prominent while adding definition and color to the rest of the view.
Cloudy Conditions
The Sedona is better in overcast and cloudy situations where they add warmth, contrast, and color. They really thrive in mixed conditions or bright haze.
Optimal and Suboptimal Viewing Conditions
For general use, rose lenses may not be the best option in full sun because the feel of the lens is too hot. A grey or green lens, or even a brown lens, are better in bright clear sunlight.
They are better in overcast and cloudy situations where they add warmth, contrast, and color, but they really thrive in mixed conditions or bright haze.
For functional use, rose lenses may be the best anytime because of the high contrast, especially for sports. In those situations, the goal isn't to have a more beautiful view but to help you perceive your surroundings and activities as accurately as possible.
Additionally, red is on the "warm" side of the color wheel. According to color psychology, different color temperatures evoke different feelings. For example, warm colors are said to bring to mind coziness and energy, while cool colors are associated with serenity and isolation.
Rose is right at the warmest part of the color wheel.
Winter
Where the Sedona lens pulls away from all other lenses is in the winter. In winter there are very few colors to work with, the conditions are often gloomy and overcast, and the overall feel is cold.
Rose lenses add warmth, color, contrast, and definition in a way other lenses cannot, and the Sedona, with its slightly less saturated tint, is better than even the Maui Jim Rose lens in these conditions.
Even on relatively darker winter days with bright haze, the Sedona adds color and comfort. It's not the most beautiful view, since there isn't much to work with, but a premium rose lens will beat any other color in these conditions.
Sports
For functional use, rose lenses may be the best anytime because of the high contrast, especially for sports. In those situations, the goal isn't to have a more beautiful view but to help you perceive your surroundings and activities as accurately as possible.
Avoid the glass lens if the activity has any chance of significant impacts to the face. Avoid this lens entirely if polarized lenses would not work for your sport.
Keep in mind that long exposure to bright conditions rose lenses may be fatiguing, but the functional benefits may outway that.
Interested in experiencing the Serengeti Sedona lens for yourself? Click here to buy on Amazon.
How the lens is marketed
SEDONA
A high-contrast rose-colored lens with a silver mirror, the Sedona lens reduces glare
from flat light and provides superior image definition. Best for bright conditions,
which makes it ideal for skiing, golf, marine use, and other intense sunlight activities.
SEDONA BI-MIRROR
The stylish silver-flash bi-mirror on this variation of the Sedona provides your
eyes with ample protection on the top, and below, producing beautiful clarity
in the middle. This increased protection allows you to see details when looking
close-up, making these lenses aesthetically pleasing and functional. Blocks
glare from above (sun) and below (water). Ideal for golf and boating activities.
Available in polarized ultra-light glass lenses.
Very bright light conditions.
Ideal for Boating and Mountain activities.
Is the brand’s marketing accurate?
This is accurate and I think Serengeti can do a better job of marketing this lens, especially because it sells itself so well. It do not think it is that great for marine use, but it will definitely hold it own.
Comparison to the same brand - Serengeti
Serengeti 555nm Polarized
The 555nm is a wonderful green lens that is the most color-enhancing and vibrant green lens I have ever worn, but that is only in comparison to green lenses. The 555nm is better in full light than the Sedona, as it is more calming, but the Sedona is more versatile and the views are more amazing in all other conditions. I view the 555nm as a great full-sun condition compliment to the Sedona.
See here for the full Serengeti 555nm review.
Serengeti Drivers Polarized
The Drivers lens is a wonderful brown lens that is the most color-enhancing and vibrant lens I have ever worn. The Sedona is sometimes better in full light than the Drivers, as it is darker, but the Drivers is more versatile and the views are more amazing in all other conditions. The Sedona are better in winter and for sports.
See here for the full Serengeti Drivers review.
Comparison to Rose Lenses of Different Brands
Maui Jim MauiRose
The MauiRose lens is a very dark lens, with a beautiful rose hue and the added color and contrast of the PolarizedPlus2 technology included. The colors are saturated and warm, and the clarity is off the charts. It is darker and more saturated than the Sedona, which makes it better in full sun but can feel a bit dark in overcast conditions. If I was golfing in full sun I would take the MauiRose, if it was mixed or overcast I would take the Sedona.
Oakley Prizm Sport
Almost all of Oakley’s Prizm sport lenses are rose-based, with some notable exceptions. From the dark polarized Prizm Deep Water to the bright Prizm Trail, Oakley has a tint for every condition. Without taking away from how good most of these lenses are, it should be noted there is a lot of marketing involved with the different lenses for sport-specific applications, and the truth is that most of the lenses would work fine in any other sporting application, though there is some nuance there. Here are some of them:
Conclusion - Serengeti Sedona Lens Review - Should you buy it?
Serengeti continues to excel in crafting some of the most versatile and high-performance lenses for various conditions. The Serengeti Sedona lens stands out as one of the top choices for those seeking exceptional clarity, contrast, and comfort across a wide range of environments. Whether you're dealing with bright sunlight, mixed conditions, or even the dull gray of winter, the Sedona lens enhances your visual experience with vibrant colors and sharp details.
This is a Tier 2 lens, but borderline a Tier 1. The only points it looses are from how they perform in bright full sun, as they can be a bit "too hot" but the exceptional way they perform in all other conditions makes them worth considering a purchase. As someone who lives around the Great Lakes and deals with a lack of color for much of the year, I wear the Sedona almost as much as any other lens.
If you're interested in trying out the Serengeti Sedona lens, you can find it on Amazon, often at a lower price than Serengeti's official website.
