RB-50 Lens by Ray-Ban: A Noble Anniversary

Ray-Ban loves to time the release of their innovations to coincide with significant events. Naturally, the brand couldn’t overlook its own anniversary! :)

Thus, the RB-50 and RB-50 Ultra lenses were born!

A Celebration of Life

The history of Ray-Ban began back in 1937 with the creation of the first pilot sunglasses, commissioned by the U.S. government. Fifty years later, this brand became not only recognizable but also the most popular among manufacturers in the industry.

It’s no surprise that the 1987 anniversary year was anything but ordinary. That year saw the release of a limited edition line of models equipped with RB-50 and RB-50 Ultra lenses, combining all the brand’s best technologies! :)

Visually, these lenses are easy to recognize, as the right lens features the classic “Ray-Ban” marking alongside a small “50” symbol in the corner.

The Best of the Best

RB-50 lenses have a dark amber, almost golden color. These lenses feature a titanium oxide outer coating and an inner anti-reflective layer.

Thus, RB-50 lenses incorporate technologies such as standard tinting, mirror reflection, and photochromism, making them sensitive to even slight changes in temperature and light.

Under normal conditions, these lenses allow only 20% of light through, in bright conditions — 10%, and in extremely bright and cold conditions — just 8%. Additionally, RB-50 lenses provide 100% UV protection, while the mirror coating blocks bright sunlight.

The Latest Innovations

As for the RB-50 Ultra lens, its creation marked the final innovation by Ray-Ban under Bausch & Lomb. What sets this lens apart from the RB-50? It might seem like nothing could be added, but let’s not forget about polarization technology!



99.7% — that’s how much polarized light this "fully equipped" lens blocks! For us, the consumers, this technology is useful because it protects our eyes from the most annoying, blinding rays of light reflected from horizontal surfaces (a good example being the glare off snow or water).

Compliance with impact resistance and optical standards, along with no color distortion, makes glasses with these lenses ideal for winter and water sports.

Initially intended to be rare, these lenses remain so to this day. They can only be found at auctions or in online stores selling vintage treasures. In our opinion, such difficulty in acquiring them only adds to the prestige of RB-50 and RB-50 Ultra lenses, which in turn, confirm their status as truly noble anniversary lenses! :)