DITA Lancier Sea Sunglasses Lens Review
- Sunglass Science
- Jun 25
- 8 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Luxury eyewear has long prioritized frame design over optical performance, with lenses often playing a supporting role. DITA Lancier reverses that approach, putting advanced lenses front and center. The Sea lens exemplifies this shift—a refined, neutral grey polarized lens that delivers clarity, comfort, and true-to-life color in bright, sunlit environments.
Check out the DITA Sea lens at Dita.com.
If you want to know more about how grey lenses work, click here.
In This Review
Lens Specs | DITA Lancier Sea |
Technology | Custom Tinting |
Lens Color | Grey |
Mirror Color | NA |
VLT | 16.4% |
ABBE | ~52 |
Coatings | Anti-reflective, Scratch-resistant, Oleophobic, Hydrophobic, UV |
Material | Nylon |
Weight | Light |
Scratch Resistance | Moderate |
Prescription Available | Yes, in CR39 |
2 |
DITA uses high-quality nylon for its non-prescription Lancier sunglasses lenses. This material choice ensures the lenses remain optically clear, lightweight, and impact-resistant—ideal for a line that merges style with everyday performance. They couldn't use glass due to its poor impact resistance. Nylon is a great choice, and brands like Randolph and Revo use it for thier non-glass options as well. Many other brands opt for polycarbonate, which is better for extreme impacts but lags in almost every other way.
The Sea lens features advanced polarized filters, effectively reducing reflective glare and performing on par with the best polarized lenses available. These newer filters are much more granular than previos generations, and less glare can make it through the lens now.
Lancier lenses also include multiple premium coatings: anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, oleophobic (resistant to oil), hydrophobic (repels water), and full UV protection.
With a visible light transmission (VLT) of 16.4%, the Sea lens is on the brighter side of most grey lenses, which is discussed more below.
The model I've been wearing, which is super lightweight, is the LSA-417, seen here:
I typically avoid discussing frames, since brands often have a wide range of styles, materials, and build quality. That said, DITA Lancier frames are produced by the same team and in the same facility as DITA’s mainline eyewear. While Lancier is positioned as a more accessible entry point into the DITA brand, it's arguably the better choice for those prioritizing lens quality and performance.
Considering its optical performance and more affordable pricing compared to other luxury sunglasses, Lancier stands out as one of the best overall values currently available in premium eyewear.
Is it eligible for prescription?
Yes, in CR39 and 1.60 High Index MR8 material. Authorized local dealers can order the lenses from DITA, and SportRx is a great online option.
How does the lens look?
The front is a plain grey tint, easy to dress up or down.
The back has a blue shine from the anti-reflective coating. The tint is a lighter grey, and is true grey, unlike other performance greys that can sometimes have a noticeable shift to green, rose, or blue.
What does the view look like?
Grey lenses do not have as much to discuss as other tints, but the DITA Sea lens was made with several factors in mind.
They wanted the lens to be used for activities near water, and when functional use is in mind, it is always a good idea to make the view slightly brighter (like why most Oakley Sport lenses are higher VLT).
When it comes to sports and performance activities, many people assume that darker lenses with low Visible Light Transmission (VLT) are always better because they block more sunlight. But in reality, for fast-paced, high-performance activities, a higher VLT in the range of 15-20% often offers significant advantages. These lenses let in more light, which is essential when you need to process visual information quickly and accurately. In sports, every fraction of a second counts, and the more visual input your eyes can gather, the better your reaction time, depth perception, and ability to track moving objects.
For this reason, DITA uses a 16.4% VLT. For comparison, Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim use a 10% VLT for their grey lenses. That is roughly 39% darker (Since 10 is about 61% of 16.4).
But 16.4% is still a Category 3 lens, and is fully comfortable in full sun (unless you are light-sensitive).
Color-tinted lenses work by manipulating the light and enhancing the view. Grey lenses harness the light. The more color and brightness available, the more a grey lens will work to remove excess light and glare and let the colors stand out for themselves. The Sea lens is a great example of this.
The result is a colorful, comfortable, and vibrant view. The blues of the sky are especially nice with this lens. Colors are true to world, and everything feels very natural.
The polarization helps a lot, too. Even with a slightly higher VLT, the glare reduction is so good with these latest generation polarized filters that there is a great balance between comfort and color.
To test these, I took them, not to a Sea, but to the Great Lakes on a very bright day with direct overhead sun. The image makes it seem that the lens is dark and blue, but that's just the camera playing tricks. The rich colors of the lake, from brown to green to blue, were bright and vibrant, and I had no trouble looking in every direction without squinting (wearing a hat, of course).
Sunny Conditions
This photo is what Dita 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 Dita Land lens for yourself? Check it out on Dita.com
The photo is accurate, but it's hard to get a good sense of what the lens does when looking directly at the sun.
Here is my simulation of how the lens looks:
On a bright day with the sun directly overhead, intense light can wash out colors and reduce contrast. You'll find yourself squinting just to see.
With the Dita Sea lens, the glare is removed from the water, and the colors are natural, clear, and vibrant. It is a bright but comfortable view.
Cloudy Conditions
Grey lenses are not the best choice for cloudy or variable light conditions. As mentioned above, grey lenses harness the light and available colors. In lower-light environments, the lower contrast, neutral tone, and dimming effect can make your surroundings appear flat and lifeless.
Although DITA Sea lenses offer slightly improved color perception due to their higher visible light transmission (VLT), they still lack the warmth and contrast enhancement found in brown or rose-tinted lenses, which are better suited for overcast or mixed lighting.
Optimal and Suboptimal Viewing Conditions
Grey lenses are one of the most comfortable options for extended wear in bright sunlight. Because they don’t alter colors significantly, our eyes adjust more naturally, reducing strain and preventing fatigue over time. This is due to color memory, our brain’s ability to recognize and correct the appearance of familiar objects. Grey tints, like those found in the DITA Sea lens, align with this natural process, making them feel visually “right” even after hours of use. Other tints, by contrast, can shift colors—like turning the sky an unusual shade—which can feel unnatural after extended wear.
The DITA Sea lens is a great lens for full sun. It’s ideal for bright, sunny days but less suited for overcast or changing light, where warmer tones like brown or rose provide better contrast and depth.
For driving, grey lenses like the DITA Sea work well in direct sun, but in cloudy or mixed light, color-tinted lenses may help you stay more alert. I would argue that for most people, a rose or brown lens, like the DITA Land lens, would be better for driving, even in full sun. However, if you live in a consistently sunny climate, DITA Sea is an excellent everyday driving lens.
This lens also shines in high-glare environments like beaches or tropical vacations, hence the name "Sea". It offers all-day comfort without eye fatigue, especially for wearers who aren’t overly light-sensitive and don’t need maximum darkness.
Sports
In full sun, grey lenses are fine for sports but not the best choice. Since grey lenses are neutral, they don’t evoke feelings of energy or warmth. When playing sports, you want a lens that makes everything feel especially vibrant and dynamic. For this, a brown or rose lens is a better option. Brown and rose lenses also provide a lot more color enhancement and contrast which are advantageous for sports.
Where this lens excels is in water sports and fishing, as the name implies. It was designed with professional sailors' input.
Avoid this lens entirely if polarized lenses would not work for your sport.
Interested in experiencing the Sea lens for yourself? Click here to buy on Dita.
Comparison to the same brand - DITA Lancier
Dita Land Lens
The Dita Lancier Land lens is a phenomenal lens geared towards driving, all conditions, and great views. It is a rose lens with a bit of brown to it, a relatively dark 13.4% VLT, and the same material and coatings as the Sea lens, including polarization. Unlike other rose or brown lenses that can throw the normal color balance off, the Land lens brightens and enhances all colors while keeping the colors feeling normal, especially the sky (which is rare for a rose or brown lens). This is the best all-around lens in the Lancier collection, and arguably any other collection.
Dita Air Lens
The DITA Lancier Air lens is designed for those who prefer a non-polarized option but still want serious performance in bright light. With a darker 11.7% VLT and a rich green tint, it delivers a classic green look and a vibrant, saturated view, especially in green-heavy environments like forests, parks, or golf courses. Greens appear brighter and more defined, while blues and reds remain natural and pleasant, keeping skies vivid and balanced. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants a darker, non-polarized lens that's comfortable in full sun. That said, its strengths are specific: it performs best in bright conditions with plenty of greenery and doesn't adapt as well to overcast or varied lighting. One of the best non-polarized green lenses out there.
Comparison to Grey Lenses of Different Brands
Maui Jim Neutral Grey
Maui Jim makes one of the best grey lenses on the market. It comes in glass, fully coated, and is a dark 10% VLT lens. The lens comes with a bi-gradient mirror coating that "squints" for the wearer, but also makes the lens sportier and harder to dress up. Unlike most grey lenses, the Maui Jim Neutral Grey does enhance colors, especially reds and greens, but only in comparison to other grey lenses. A color-tinted lens will be much more color-enhancing and altering.
Costa Del Mar 580 Grey
A darker lens that is more suited to comfort than to color enhancement, but it is a good option for light-sensitive people who still want some color enhancement. Comes without a mirror and has a silver mirror option as well. Heavier lens. Clarity on par with Maui Jim.
See here for the full Costa Grey Silver Mirror review.
Randolph Engineering American Gray
The American Gray is almost as pure a grey lens as you can find. Similar to the Dita Sea lens, it is slightly brighter at 15% VLT, and no particular colors are boosted. All coatings are included, and it is a medium-heavy glass lens.
See here for the full Randolph American Gray review.
Conclusion - DITA Lancier Sea Sunglasses Lens Review - Should you buy it?
The DITA Lancier Sea lens is a standout option for anyone looking for a refined, neutral grey lens that excels in bright, sunlit environments. With its higher 16.4% VLT, advanced polarization, and premium coatings, the Sea lens offers a vibrant, true-to-life view while effectively cutting glare. It’s especially well-suited for water activities, beach days, tropical travel, and everyday wear in consistently sunny climates. However, it’s not the best pick for overcast days, variable light, or high-energy sports where a brown or rose lens—like the amazing DITA Land lens—would provide better contrast and a more dynamic feel.
If you’re looking for an elegant, high-performance lens that’s comfortable, color-accurate, and built for all-day sun, the DITA Sea lens is absolutely worth considering.
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