Photochromic lenses don’t change very fast, so they aren’t helpful for going in and out of shadows, but they can be useful for leaving when it’s dark and adjusting as the sun comes up (or leaving in daylight and returning at dark). A lot of times they also don’t get as dark as non-photosensitive lenses.
I’ve had the best luck with 80% amber lenses. They let enough light through to see just before dawn and still provide relief after the sun comes up. A blue mirror coating will make them a little darker, providing more bright light protection at the expense of pre-dawn visibility.