As we all know, the accurate price of optical lenses can only be calculated when the customer has specific needs and a power list.
This is because any difference in their details will cause price fluctuations. So how many specific factors can affect their price, and how do they affect it? We will explain this to you one by one in this article.
1. Index
The index of a lenses is one of its most important parameters. It refers to the lens material’s ability to bend light. Different index indicate different lenses materials.
Generally, higher index result in thinner and lighter lenses, but also generally require a higher power.
While commonly used 1.56 index lenses are already relatively thin, they may not meet the needs of users who prioritize aesthetics and portability. Therefore, higher index lenses become their preferred choice.
Currently, high index lenses are available in 1.61, 1.67, and 1.74 index. These are lighter and thinner than the common 1.56 lenses, better meeting the needs of different users.
At the same time, as the index increases,the higher the cost of raw materials and the greater the difficulty of production, the higher the price usually is.
2. Lens Types
Currently, lenses are mainly divided into finished lenses, semi-finished lenses, sunglasses lenses, and RX lenses. Different types of lenses have different characteristics, resulting in varying costs.
Finished lenses with existing power are usually more affordable for the same power and material, as there is stock available.
Semi-finished lenses, having not undergone further processing, have no power and are typically kept in stock by distributors.It can be processed to the desired optical power, thus eliminating the problem of unsellable lenses due to mismatched power.
Sunglasses lenses and RX lenses are relatively specialized lens types, and therefore their prices need to be calculated based on the specific needs of the customer.
3. Coating Types
Generally, there are three types of lens coatings: HC, HMC, and SHMC. The better the coating, the higher the price.
HC stands for Hard Coating, which primarily provides protection and makes the lens less prone to scratches. It doesn’t have any other features and is usually cheaper.
The most common is HMC, which is what we commonly call coated lenses. The AR coating not only prevents scratches but also increases the lens’s light transmittance, making it more transparent. Its cost is higher than HC lenses, and the coating comes in blue and green.
SHMC, also called Super Hydrophobic Coating, is waterproof and also comes in blue and green, and its surface is smoother than HMC.
SHMC offers higher-end options like the X6 coating, which is low-reflection blue coatning, its light reflected from the lens surface is more lighter in color.
For the same lens, from HC and HMC to SHMC, SHMC X6, the coatings offer more functions and are more expensive.
4. Lens Power
Lens power is divided into SPH (spheric) and CYL (diopter). Usually SPH is typically between +6.00 and -6.00. Within this range, the most direct factor affecting price is the CYL power, which is divided into three ranges: 0.00 to -2.00, -2.25 to -4.00, and -4.25 to -6.00. Higher CYL power results in higher costs. If the SPH exceeds +6.00 to -6.00, then higher SPH power also means higher prices.
5. Lens Function
Lenses function are typically available in UV380, UV400, and UV420 ratings. Different UV ratings offer varying levels of UV protection, with higher ratings corresponding to higher prices.
Blue block are also a very important feature, and the more features a lens has, the higher its price.
6. Lens quality
Lenses are usually divided into two grades: Grade A and Grade B.
Grade A lenses are high quality lenses that most customers choose, It requires strict quality control at every stage of production and rigorous screening of lenses, because the better the quality of the lenses, the higher the price.
while Grade B lenses are usually of medium to low quality and therefore cheaper than Grade A lenses.
7. Lens Optical Characteristics
Lens optical characteristics are divided into two types: Spheric (SP) and Aspheric (ASP).
SP lenses are usually thicker and cause distortion at the edges, its price will be more lower. ASP lenses are usually thinner, have no noticeable distortion at the edges, its price is more expensive.
8. Lens Diameter
Lens diameters are typically 65, 70, 72, and 75 mm. Usually non-standard diameter lenses are generally more expensive. Larger diameter lenses are more expensive.
9. Quantity
The price of lenses is also closely related to the quantity. In our production process, we typically produce 20 pairs for each power at a time.
If an order for customized lenses only contains 2-3 pairs for each power, the production difficulty will increase, and the production cost will also rise.
Therefore, the more pairs of each power produced, and the more concentrated the power, the more favorable the price.
As a lens manufacturer in China, we firmly believe that high-quality lenses and reasonable prices are key to long-term cooperation. Want to learn more about our lenses? Please contact us for more information.
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