Head worn devices having a variable shade component and a fixed shade component, and methods of operation, are disclosed. An example head worn device includes an auto-darkening lens configured to adjust a shade value within a first shade value range, a second lens having a fixed shade value greater than 0, the auto-darkening lens and the second lens overlapping in a field of view of the head worn device to result in a net shade value range in the field of view that is greater than the first shade value range, and a clear lens on an exterior of the auto-darkening lens and the second lens.