Opinions on spectacle lenses


Dream Merchant

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Jan 11, 2007
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Got into a discussion with a friend, and it seems that more folks pay for fashion/good looking frames, and often forget about the quality of lenses trying to save $$$ since they pay so much for the frames already.

As a photographer, I can appreciate good glass, and was wondering what is the current leader(s) in high to very high quality spectacle lenses that won;lt break the bank? Interestingly, Carl Zeiss blanks would have costed $160+. I thought they went for much higher than that.

Carl Zeiss?

Nikon?

Hoya?

Schott? (Doubt if can get easily)

And why.

Also, any lobangs or anyone practise getting their prescription, then buying lens blanks in their prescription online to save costs?

An optical shop I spoke to dissed Zeiss and tried to recommend OSA saying that Zeiss didn;t specialise in spectacle lenses, whereas OSA did. I did a search and found http://www.osa.com.sg/about.asp

Share your thoughts please and help me make a decision on my next pair of lenses.
 

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Japanese lenses are generally higher price than Singapore made lenses mainly due to the branding, thickness of lens, durability, higher quality and special coating.

Think almost every shop in downtown orchard has some sort of sale.

You can try Paris Miki at Taka.
 

i guess Transition lens is good. The same spec can double as sunglass as well..but the only con is when shooting outdoor under strong sun light, u are like taking photo will a shade...=)
 

Are you talking about single vision or progressive lens? Single vision not that much of a difference between the good brand but progressive yes! For me, it's Essilor's progressive lens all the way.

Transitions lens are not wholly white indoor. A white pc of paper will appear slightly brownish. Some may not like that. BTW Transitions are just a layer of photochromic coating. Most of the Essilor lens had a option of normal white or transitions version.
 

Hi guys.

Thanks for sharing your views.

I'm looking at single vision, non-transition type lenses.

Now that we talk about colors...I'm thinking of ordering a custom tint for increased indoor/flourescent contrast/visibility like Amethyst which would have minimal impact outdoors.
 

i was told by a friend who used to sell sunglasses. he said branded frames are usually carrying a huge profit. some 300%, some up to even 500%. Well, thats where they have room to markdown and make you happy.

as for normal glasses, the profits from frames may not be as high as sunglasses, but, still the profits are decent enough for them to make a living and pay rental. these are not fast moving items; it is only fair they mark up high and sell. repeat customers usually come back after one or two years, and that is a long time gap btw. so, you probably know their cost is low; hence as they talk to you, they be thinking about rental, salary, a nice holiday and to pay for the upkeep of their car.


a good place to shop might be at queenstown shopping centre. i get my sunglasses from there. usually, i dictate the price before walking out. lol
 

why is Essilor good for progressive lens?

Are you talking about single vision or progressive lens? Single vision not that much of a difference between the good brand but progressive yes! For me, it's Essilor's progressive lens all the way.

Transitions lens are not wholly white indoor. A white pc of paper will appear slightly brownish. Some may not like that. BTW Transitions are just a layer of photochromic coating. Most of the Essilor lens had a option of normal white or transitions version.
 

but isn't it a branded one has a higher quality and more durable? Somemore ppl would notice you wearing a branded one?
 

Branded got difference in quality.
I mean brands related to excellence in optics.
I do not mean fashion brands.

Nikon, Essilor, Carl Zeiss, Rodenstock, are good.

Frames also got difference. You pay for quality.

Stay away from salesman type of optic shop that claims to analyse your eyes using a computerised machine at the counter.
Stay away from optics shops with numerous branches.

Look for the optometrists.
 

Yes, that's true.

Always better to play safe and go for a qualified Optometrist, and if you have more serious issues, an Opthalmologist.

Hmm ... anyone have any experience with Carl Zeiss, Rodenstock, Nikon and Hoya lenses? What are your views of their glass lenses/coatings/durability etc?
 

Yes, that's true.

Always better to play safe and go for a qualified Optometrist, and if you have more serious issues, an Opthalmologist.

Hmm ... anyone have any experience with Carl Zeiss, Rodenstock, Nikon and Hoya lenses? What are your views of their glass lenses/coatings/durability etc?
My personal optician... Colin. His shop is Alantic Optics, in Peninsula Plaza 4th storey and also Wheellock place. You may pay him a visit, but ask for only Colin and nobody else for good qualified professional service. His prices is reasonable with little negotiation possible. :)

For me, I go for the features. Brands is always secondary for me on spectacles.

I change my glasses once every 3-4 years and always make glasses in pairs, 1 for personal leisure use and 1 for daily outdoor use.

Currently using Hoya Glass (Photo-Grey) for daily and Transition Lens for leisure, if not wrong, brand is AO. As for frames, I always go for titanium frames or titanium memory wire frames for light-weight and lasting.

Just to share my 2cents worth. :)
 

Yes, that's true.

Always better to play safe and go for a qualified Optometrist, and if you have more serious issues, an Opthalmologist.

Hmm ... anyone have any experience with Carl Zeiss, Rodenstock, Nikon and Hoya lenses? What are your views of their glass lenses/coatings/durability etc?
Another point... for framless wire frames, it is difficult to do glass lenses, most optician will recommend to do on plastics lenses as the drilling is to be very precision and will crack the glass easily.

Some ard 12yrs ago, Paris Miki can go framless on glass lenses, but they charged a bomb. I remember paying a pair for ard $800+ but sadly the glass still cracks at the screw mount after ard 4yrs of usage. :(

So I believe the term of durability still depends somewhat on the frames used aspect as well.
 

yeah how much are the lenses nowadays?
 

Thanks for sharing Sykes.

Growing older, and eyes getting more tired ... nothing major - just age catching up.

We spend thousands on just one lense and tons on bodies and accessories, but forget about our eyes. If eyesight become too jia lat, how to take photo liao?

BTW, according to my ex-optician, glass is anytime superior to plastic, but plastic sells better because lighter and cosmetically opens up more frame options. Seems like more people more concerned about looks. My own long-time ex-optician's (who told me the bit about glass vs plastic) shop already stopped doing glass lenses. Why? Plastic sells. :rolleyes:
 

i just did a new pair of specs today
 

i guess Transition lens is good. The same spec can double as sunglass as well..but the only con is when shooting outdoor under strong sun light, u are like taking photo will a shade...=)

Hi guys.

Thanks for sharing your views.

I'm looking at single vision, non-transition type lenses.

Now that we talk about colors...I'm thinking of ordering a custom tint for increased indoor/flourescent contrast/visibility like Amethyst which would have minimal impact outdoors.

dm, better start saving for those transition lenses.:bsmilie::bsmilie:
 

broke the glasses of my spec recently, replaced them (used the old frame), $40-$50 for a pair of hi-index+mc, both around 400-550deg each + 150-250 astic each.

Yeah yeah yeah ..... rub it in! :bsmilie: