Hi GG (AB!), I've worn transition lenses in one form or another due to short-sightedness for decades, so can give a pretty good run down on them. I thoroughly recommend them :t:
First up the technology now is far ahead of previous iterations, ie. the range of the scale is larger - clearer clears, through to darker darks, along with a quicker transition time. They also react to different environments (different wavelength spectrum of light) in different ways. F'rinstance I've worn various ones numerous times way up above the snowline, on glaciers etc, where photographs of me show a distinct purplish mirrored finish to the lenses - I've never felt the need for any stronger light blocking sunglasses in those conditions.
Secondly, they 'age', ie. as time goes on the range of the scale they perform over lessens. ie. they don't quite go completely clear after a few years, and they don't quite darken as much or change as quickly from one to the other as they used to. After many years, you'll be getting around looking like Roy Orbison, in some neither here nor there light brownish coloured lenses! |8)|
As far as effects when using binoculars go, they will perform as in normal wearing - you won't notice that they're there, save for more comfort. Perhaps if Looksharp sees this he can add some more qualified information, but they seem to work in concert with your pupil, and as your eye normally would.
Remember they will be pressed up against the eyecups and so pretty much modulated by the light through the binocular that your eye would normally see. ie. if it is dark enough (twilight, heavy cloud or canopy cover, deep shade etc) where your pupil will normally open up, then they will clear right up to allow the maximum light through (even if you are standing in bright sunny conditions) - the lenses will be fully capable of being clear for the ocular diameter portion you are looking through, while at the same time being blacked out for the periphery that is directly exposed to the sun. You can neatly test this by sitting your glasses on a table by a window with direct sunlight falling on part of the lens - you'll soon see a neat demarcation line!
Conversely, if it is so bright that your pupil would normally constrict then just by comparison to the felt comfort of glare levels, then they must darken up somewhat - though you never notice it as any level of tangibly dark - just more comfortable ..... :cat:
As with all eyeglasses, there will be various grades, and levels of expense. When I get my next pair they will be the latest transitions, but I will pay much more attention to the type of material and indexation of the lenses etc to maximise transmission %, and minimise any introduction of extra chromatic aberrations (CA). We spend so much time obsessing about various bins and their views, that it is false economy not to buy the best of the best eyeglasses. Hope this helps o
Chosun :gh:
