A Guide To Zeal Sunglass Lenses

Here is the guide to Zeal sunglass lenses. Not too complex, but some details you should be aware of.

You can check out all these lenses from the Zeal Website.

Zeal AutoSun in Brewer

Zeal is owned by Maui Jim, and that makes a big difference. They're not just another lifestyle brand putting basic polarized lenses in sport frames. Because of the Maui Jim connection, Zeal has access to the same high-quality polarized filters and a version of the color-enhancement technology that Maui Jim uses, just adapted for their own lenses.

What this means is Zeal's polarized filters are going to be much better aligned than most brands in their price range, and you'll notice it. They also use a version of Maui Jim's color-enhancement tech in all their lenses through what they call "Ellume Polarized filtration".

Zeal isn't trying to compete with Maui Jim. They're filling a gap. Maui Jim uses more sophisticated multi-layer lenses (often in glass), fully coated construction, and often higher-end frames, which puts them above $200 typically. Zeal targets the $80-200 range by using polycarbonate lenses, fewer coatings, and sport frames. If you want something you can actually wear hiking, biking, or on the water without worrying about breaking expensive glass lenses, that's what Zeal is for.

All Zeal lenses are polycarbonate with "Ellume Polarized Color Filtration". Zeal describes this as filtering specific wavelengths so reds, greens, and blues pop more, which enhances clarity and contrast. That isn't anything new or groundbreaking. Most color enhancement works in a similar way. But not every brand actually pulls it off. To me, Zeal does this successfully enough that it is pleasantly noticeable, though not equally for all lenses.

All lenses are polarized and fully UV protective.

There are 5 main Zeal lenses. I'll cover each of these in detail in separate posts, but here's the lineup:

• Dark Grey - 9% VLT. Neutral dark tint. Good for bright sun.

• Copper - 14% VLT. Reddish-brown base. Works well in variable light.

• Rose - 25% VLT, Category 2. Higher transmission, so better for lower light or sports. Helps with depth perception.

• Horizon Blue - 12% VLT. This is the copper lens with a blue mirror added, which shifts the base tint even redder.

• AutoSun - 28-15% VLT, Photochromic. Starts yellow, transitions to brown. This is the all-day, variable conditions option and one of the most unique lenses you can find.

Check Out Zeal Here

Lens coatings are where it gets specific. Not all Zeal lenses have the same coatings:

	Anti-Scratch	Hydrophobic/oleophobic	Anti-Reflective
Dark Grey	Yes	No	No
Copper	Yes	No	No
Rose	Yes	No	No
Horizon Blue	Yes	Yes	No
AutoSun	Yes	Yes	Yes

The standard tints get an anti-scratch hard coating. The mirrored Horizon Blue adds hydrophobic (water-repellant) and oleophobic (oil-repellant) coatings, which help keep the lenses cleaner. The AutoSun gets AR coating on top of everything else.

If you're used to brands like Oakley that don't include AR coating, you'll be fine with most Zeal lenses. (Though honestly, I'd recommend owning sunglasses with AR in general).

If you're coming from brands that do include AR and you're getting one of the Zeal lenses without it, my advice is the same as what I recommend with Oakley: stick to wrap frames, not flatter styles. Wrap frames block more light from the sides and top, which matters more when you don't have AR coating managing backside reflections. I own many premium lenses with AR, and for various reasons, I still find myself wearing brands like Zeal and Oakley (usually for sports). When I do, it's with wrap frames.

For prescription, Zeal works with Maui Jim's premium lab. All coatings are included at no extra cost, regardless of which lens you choose. That makes any of the lens choices a great complete package, as you'll be getting a color-enhancing lens with AR and the other coatings. You can get Zeal prescription lenses through SportRx with authentic Zeal lens material (Zeal does not sell them directly to consumers from their own website).

Zeal fits a specific role: relatively affordable sport sunglasses with legitimately good optics, a result of the color enhancement, even if the lens material itself is standard.

They're not trying to be premium lifestyle sunglasses. They're sport sunglasses at a price point where you can actually use them hard without stressing about damaging a $300 pair. If you want something reliable for the trail, water, or bike without the cost of high-end glass lenses, or if you want a solid backup pair in your rotation, Zeal makes sense.

Check Out Zeal Here