Ski Goggle Lens Guide
Choosing the right ski goggle lens starts with the light conditions. Corlin offers 19 magnetic lenses across Reuben and Claude, ranging from Category 3 lenses for bright and sunny days to lighter options for overcast conditions and clear lenses for night skiing.
This guide explains the different lens categories, when to use them and how to build a lens setup for changing conditions.
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Which ski goggle lens should I use?
The simplest way to choose a ski goggle lens is to match its category to the amount of available light.
Category 3 is designed for bright and sunny conditions and is the category fitted to Corlin ski goggles as standard.
Category 2 sits between Category 1 and Category 3 and is suited to changing or mixed light conditions.
Category 1 allows more visible light through and is designed for overcast weather, snowfall and other lower-light conditions.
Clear lenses have no tint and are the recommended option for skiing at night on illuminated slopes.
Every Corlin lens offers UV400 protection, regardless of tint or lens category.
Which ski goggle lens for which light?
The lens category indicates how much visible light passes through the lens. As light conditions change, choosing the appropriate category becomes more important than choosing a particular colour or finish.
Where do the lens categories come from?
Lens categories follow the classification in EN ISO 12312-1:2022 and describe visible light transmission.
Lens category and UV protection are separate specifications. Every Corlin ski goggle lens offers UV400 protection, regardless of category, colour or finish.
Lens compatibility is also separate from lens category. Reuben and Claude use different lens shapes, so lenses cannot be exchanged between the two model families.
Lens colour, category and finish – what’s the difference?
These three properties describe different things.
Lens category tells you how much visible light passes through the lens.
Lens colour describes the tint or colour you see through and on the lens.
Lens finish describes the appearance of the outer surface, such as a mirrored or non-mirrored finish.
This means two lenses can look very different while belonging to the same category. Reuben Lens Black and Reuben Lens Silver, for example, are both Category 3 even though one has a neutral black appearance and the other has a mirrored silver finish.
When choosing a lens for specific weather conditions, start with the category. Colour and finish can then help you choose between the available options within that range.
What is a mirrored ski goggle lens?
A mirrored ski goggle lens has a reflective finish on its outer surface.
At Corlin, Silver is available with a mirrored finish for both Reuben and Claude. Reuben also has additional mirrored options, including Revo Orange and Light Blue.
A mirrored finish should not be confused with lens category or UV protection. A mirrored lens is not automatically darker, and it does not automatically provide greater UV protection.
Check the individual lens category to determine which light conditions the lens is designed for.
Mirrored lenses
See all 19 ski lenses
Does ski goggle lens colour matter?
Yes, but colour and lens category should not be treated as the same thing.
A brown lens can be Category 3 while an orange lens can be Category 1. It is the category and visible light transmission that tell you how much visible light passes through.
Corlin offers black, silver, brown, orange, pink, clear and other lens options across Reuben and Claude.
For choosing a lens according to weather and light, we recommend starting with the lens category. Once you have the appropriate category, you can choose the colour and finish you prefer from the available options.
How many ski goggle lenses do you need?
For many skiers, one or two lenses will cover the conditions they encounter most often.
One lens
If you mainly ski in bright and sunny conditions, the Category 3 lens supplied with your Corlin ski goggles may be all you need.
Two lenses
For greater flexibility, combine the Category 3 lens with a lighter lens for overcast weather and snowfall.
A Category 1 orange or pink lens gives you an option for lower-light conditions without needing a second pair of ski goggles.
For many skiers, this is the most versatile two-lens setup.
Three lenses
If you also ski regularly after dark on illuminated slopes, you may want to add a clear lens.
This gives you separate options for bright conditions, lower-light daytime conditions and night skiing.
There is no reason to carry more lenses than you actually use. Choose your setup based on where, when and in what conditions you normally ski.
Looking for two lenses?
Corlin Ski Bundles combine a ski goggle with an additional magnetic lens, giving you two lens options from the start.
Reuben or Claude – which lenses fit?
Corlin has two ski goggle families, and each uses its own lens shape.
Reuben lenses do not fit Claude frames, and Claude lenses do not fit Reuben frames.
Questions about ski goggle lenses
What do ski goggle lens categories mean?
Lens category describes how much visible light passes through a lens.
Corlin offers Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 lenses, as well as clear lenses. Category 3 is designed for brighter conditions, while lower categories allow more visible light through.
Under EN ISO 12312-1:2022, Category 3 corresponds to visible light transmission of 8–18%.
Lens category and UV protection are separate specifications. Every Corlin lens offers UV400 protection.
Which ski goggle lens is best for sunny weather?
For bright and sunny conditions, we recommend a Category 3 lens.
Every Corlin ski goggle comes with a Category 3 lens fitted as standard.
Which ski goggle lens is best for cloudy weather?
For overcast weather and lower-light conditions, we recommend a lighter lens.
Corlin’s Category 1 orange and pink lenses allow more visible light through than Category 3 and are designed for lower-light conditions.
Does the colour of a ski goggle lens determine how dark it is?
No. Lens colour and lens category are separate properties.
For example, a brown lens can be Category 3 while an orange lens can be Category 1. Check the lens category or visible light transmission rather than relying on colour alone.
Are mirrored ski goggle lenses better?
Not necessarily.
A mirrored finish is one characteristic of a lens, while lens category describes visible light transmission. When choosing a lens for specific light conditions, we recommend looking primarily at its category.
Silver lenses for both Reuben and Claude have a mirrored finish. Reuben also has additional mirrored lens options.
Can one ski goggle lens cover the whole season?
It can if you mainly encounter similar light conditions.
If you ski in both bright sunshine and overcast or snowy weather, having a second, lighter lens gives you more flexibility.
The magnetic system means you can change lenses rather than changing the entire ski goggle.
Do I need a clear ski goggle lens for night skiing?
If you regularly ski after dark on illuminated slopes, we recommend a clear lens.
A clear lens has no dark tint and is therefore better suited to night skiing than Corlin’s Category 1–3 tinted lenses.
Can I wear a Category 3 lens on a cloudy day?
You can, but it is not the lens we recommend for those conditions.
Category 3 is designed for bright and sunny conditions. For overcast weather, snowfall and other lower-light conditions, a lighter Category 1 lens allows more visible light through.
Do all ski goggle lenses offer UV protection?
All Corlin ski goggle lenses offer UV400 protection, including the clear lens.
UV protection is separate from visible light transmission, so a lighter or clear lens does not automatically mean less UV protection.
Can I change Corlin ski goggle lenses while wearing gloves?
Yes. The magnetic system allows the lens to be removed and replaced in seconds and can be used while wearing ski gloves.
Make sure you choose a lens from the same model family: Reuben lenses fit Reuben frames and Claude lenses fit Claude frames.
Where to go next
Lens categories refer to the classification in EN ISO 12312-1:2022. For current specifications and availability, see the individual product page.