What is the Best Color for Vision?

For optimal human vision, green is the best color.

The human eye's sensitivity peaks in the green part of the visible light spectrum, around 555 nanometers (nm). A green dot, at the same intensity as other colors, will appear brightest. This is due to the higher concentration of cone cells in our retinas that are most responsive to green light. [Reference: The human eye response is most sensitive in the green, peaking around 555nm. If these hypothetical colored dots were all of the same intensity, a green dot would appear the brightest.23-Dec-2016]

Night Vision Considerations

However, the best color for vision changes depending on the context. For night vision, red light is generally preferred because it minimally affects night vision adaptation. This is why red lights are used in environments where preserving night vision is crucial, such as observatories or by some military personnel. [Reference: A dim red light will have the least effect on your night vision. That is why astronomers and soldiers use flashlights with red lenses.] Other colors, like amber, are also used and preferred by some for better depth perception. [Reference: I prefer the Amber above all else, tried the white color filter but Amber looks more "natural" imo and I feel I have better depth perception.]

Color Vision in Animals

It's important to note that the "best" color for vision differs across species. For instance, the bluebottle butterfly boasts the most superior color vision in the animal kingdom. [Reference: The critter with the world's best color vision (as far as we know) is the bluebottle butterfly.]

Best Color for Specific Applications

The ideal color depends on the application:

• Daytime vision: Green provides the brightest and most easily perceived color.
• Night vision: Red or amber minimizes disruption to night vision adaptation.
• Fishing lures: Color choice depends on water clarity and light conditions. Colors like Tennessee shad (with a dark contrasting color), French Pearl (low light), and GP pro blue (sunny conditions) are examples. [References: Tennessee shad has to be my favorite. Also, pair that up with something dark to contrast the water clarity. Works 60% of the time, everytime.; French Pearl for low light or cloudy and GP pro blue for sunny. Although there are tons of colors, these will cover 99% of conditions.]