I am planning to upgrade my LRGB filter set which is to be used with a monochrome CCD camera. I am considering the Chroma LRGB set of filters. I would very much appreciate hearing from owners of these filters about their experience with the filters and monochrome CCD cameras. Thanks in advance.
Clear skies,
Kevin
Thanks very much Andy. I am very pleased to hear of your experience with the Chroma filters.
Clear skies,
Kevin
I have purchased maybe 4 different sets of Chroma filters of different sizes. I had only two issues with two different filters and Chroma replaced both of them with just one email, no questions asked. They even sent the replacement before I sent back the faulty filter. So they are highly recommended in my opinion.
Are you just buying the LRGB filters? If it is just the LRGB filters, you might find that you get excellent performance from cheaper brands like Antlia or Astronomik. I think where Chromas are worth the premium is their narrowband 3nm filters.
Ashraf AbuSara:
I think where Chromas are worth the premium is their narrowband 3nm filters.
I have had Chroma, Astrodon, and Astronomik filters. Of course the Astrodons are great but not available anymore except used.
Between the Astronomiks and Chromas, the Astronomiks were OK but the green did have a slight halo and the narrowband (these were the fast version) were kinda wide at 6nm. The other issue is that they were quite thin at 1mm so often need to be paired only with other 1mm thick filters which are not as common as the 3mm thickness (both AD and Chroma and others).
The only odd thing that I have noted with the 3nm Chroma narrowband filters is that for some reason I have had a very hard time establishing reliable and repeatable offsets. This was true with both of the two sets I have used. I really can’t explain that but it was not an issue for the Astrodons that were identical spec-wise.
Arun H · Dec 9, 2025, 03:17 PM
Ashraf AbuSara:
I think where Chromas are worth the premium is their narrowband 3nm filters.
In an ideal world, one would simply buy Antlia LRGB and possibly Ha and SII filters and Chroma OIII filters. The problem is that the Antlia's are 2mm thick (other than the 50mm size which is 3mm thick) and the Chromas are 3mm thick. This will cause a difference in the optical path length to an OAG if you are using one and would have to be readjusted each time you go back and forth between the two brands.
Agreed. That’s pretty much why I never mixed and matched filters as I use OAG exclusively for all my guiding. Even the 50mm round I just didn’t want to deal with a possible headache.
I guess about filter thickness this is no problem when using NINA and making a Filter Offset calculation and then NINA applies it automatically when changing filters…
🤔
Rainer Ehlert:
I guess about filter thickness this is no problem when using NINA and making a Filter Offset calculation and then NINA applies it automatically when changing filters…
🤔
For me it works and that is why I mentioned it, but OK, I am no expert…
I know it affects the OAG but we need to know what f/X we are talking in order to know the critical focus zone and so we could know if the OAG is very much affected or not.
Just guessing…
I am by no means wealthy, but I have learned over the years that buy once, cry once fits very well when it comes to Chomas. I have a 1.25” set and a 36mm set. It drained my pocketbook each time I purchased, but I am completely happy with them. If you go cheaper, and you want Chromas, you will have spent more money in the long run when you eventually buy what you wanted in the first place. If you have the monochrome now, but haven’t saved up the needed funds for the Chomas, you could always just shoot mono in the meantime. Mono images can be beautiful if done right.
Bill McLaughlin · Dec 9, 2025 at 03:29 PM
I have had Chroma, Astrodon, and Astronomik filters. Of course the Astrodons are great but not available anymore except used.
Between the Astronomiks and Chromas, the Astronomiks were OK but the green did have a slight halo and the narrowband (these were the fast version) were kinda wide at 6nm. The other issue is that they were quite thin at 1mm so often need to be paired only with other 1mm thick filters which are not as common as the 3mm thickness (both AD and Chroma and others).
The only odd thing that I have noted with the 3nm Chroma narrowband filters is that for some reason I have had a very hard time establishing reliable and repeatable offsets. This was true with both of the two sets I have used. I really can’t explain that but it was not an issue for the Astrodons that were identical spec-wise.
That is odd. I have two filter wheels loaded with Chromas. I have had no issues with offset with Chromas. I know you do not know why, but of course I am curious now. I would email Chroma, and let them know. They have great customer service.
Kevin Dixon · Dec 9, 2025 at 11:33 AM
I am planning to upgrade my LRGB filter set which is to be used with a monochrome CCD camera. I am considering the Chroma LRGB set of filters. I would very much appreciate hearing from owners of these filters about their experience with the filters and monochrome CCD cameras. Thanks in advance.
Clear skies,
Kevin
I have Chroma 50×50 3nm and they have been fantastic. If Chroma is in your budget it’s a no-brainer in my opinion.
If you can afford Chroma, go for it.
As regards LRGB, astronomik would be a good compromise.
