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Forum nameTackle and Boats
Topic subjectRE: lens colors
Topic URLhttp://www.calfishing.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=12&topic_id=1606&mesg_id=1607
1607, RE: lens colors
Posted by swimbait, Wed Jun-22-05 08:58 AM
A real life test is about the only way you're going to be able to compare lenses effectively. Everyone's eyes are different and what might be a great color or style for you, may not be as good for someone else.

There are not too many companies that manufacture a green lens, but typically you see green lenses described as being for all around use, and typically a green lens is a darker lens so it cuts out a lot of light. The solar bat moss green lenses for example are good during the middle of the day in direct sunlight. In the morning and evening, they cut out so much light that they are less effective during those times.

The other thing to consider is contrast. Contrast is really important when sight fishing because in the ideal situation, you should only barely be able to see the bass while you fish for it. When you're looking up through the glare to see the fish, it will often appear as just a dark outline. Being able to contrast the outline of the fish vs. what is behind it is really important.

I don't know why scientifically, but green lenses seem to offer good contrast when looking at green lake bottom or green weeds. In the ocean though, the green lenses to me make everything look kind of weird to me. I think it has to do with the ocean being more of a blue color overall. This year I wore the Kaenon y-35 yellow lens a lot because I fished before and after work and needed to let as much light in as possible to see better during those low light times of day. I was totally impressed with the level of contrast with these lenses! On the other hand, wearing a yellow lens during the middle of a sunny day really wears out your eyes because everything is so bright...

So as you can see, there are tradeoffs in this stuff, and I really don't think there is one perfect lens for all conditions. Talk to pro fishermen, especially guys who sight fish, and you'll find that they carry several pairs of sunglasses with them at all times for different conditions. It seems like overkill when you aren't tuned in to the subtle differences in the lenses, but it makes a lot of sense once you become aware of the differences that different shades/colors of lenses make.