Chroma filter advice

Equipment Filters Buying Advice Help Needed
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Jan Hlavačka avatar
Jan Hlavačka avatar

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people with experience using Chroma narrowband filters long-term.

I found a set of used Chroma 5nm filters (Ha, OIII, SII) from 2021 at a reputable astronomy shop. They are listed in excellent condition, and Chroma confirmed they are genuine 2021 production. Price is around €412 per filter, compared to about €687 new.

I know Chroma uses hard sputtered coatings and even offers a lifetime warranty on sputtered catalog filters, which sounds reassuring. However, I also came across a few reports (for example on CloudyNights) of some filters showing brown discoloration on the edges / possible coating issues after a relatively short time, which made me hesitate. I am also worried about the coating technology being outdated, and i want this to be a one time purchase so if the new chroma filters offer an performance improvement i am willing to pay up.

So I wanted to ask people with real long-term experience:

  • Have any of you used 2020–2021 Chroma narrowband filters (Ha/OIII/SII)?

  • Have you seen any coating degradation, edge browning, or performance changes over time?

  • Do you think buying a 2021 used set is a reasonable move, or would you personally spend more and buy new for peace of mind?

  • If you bought used Chroma filters, what specific things would you inspect before purchasing?

For context, these would be used on an f/4 Newtonian with an ASI2600MM

I’d really appreciate honest feedback from people who have actually owned and used Chroma filters for several years.

Thanks!

Well written Respectful Engaging
HR_Maurer avatar
HR_Maurer avatar

I use chroma filters, purchased in early 2022. I put these filters into a filter wheel, and the edges are covered, so if i detach the camera i cant see the edges. I didnt notice any degradation so far. What i noticed though, was the central transmission wavelength (CWL) has been off in one of my filters. So it didnt match the requirements i had given with respect to f-ratio. I have access to a laboratory with some fancy spectrometers… So i returned the filter and got replacement.
Exactly at that time, Antlia entered the marked, and they do cherry pick their filters, to match the CWL to the customer’s need. I think every brand should have adopted to this practise since, because it makes a lot of sense. I had some discussions about this with Chroma, but i dont know for sure if they do it today.

Before i had these filters, i used other filters in filter drawers. And since i was a bit short of these drawers, a lot of handling was involved. Especially when handling in the dark and in a hurry, this can quickly result in some fingerprints. And if these fingerprints aren’t removed instantly and properly, thery might become permanent.
So, my recommendation would be, to not only look for degradation, especially at the edges, but also for finger prints, dots (from droplets), scratches or smearing from improper cleaning. Knowing how the filters have been used before, can help.

Helpful Engaging
Jan Hlavačka avatar
Jan Hlavačka avatar

A wrong CWL is pretty insane, i have never heard about that yet, and definitely wouldnt expect it from chroma
I think the filters look great, you judge:


📷 image.pngimage.png📷 image.pngimage.png📷 image.pngimage.png📷 image.pngimage.png

Jan Hlavačka avatar
Jan Hlavačka avatar

HR_Maurer · May 29, 2026, 05:56 PM

I use chroma filters, purchased in early 2022. I put these filters into a filter wheel, and the edges are covered, so if i detach the camera i cant see the edges. I didnt notice any degradation so far. What i noticed though, was the central transmission wavelength (CWL) has been off in one of my filters. So it didnt match the requirements i had given with respect to f-ratio. I have access to a laboratory with some fancy spectrometers… So i returned the filter and got replacement.
Exactly at that time, Antlia entered the marked, and they do cherry pick their filters, to match the CWL to the customer’s need. I think every brand should have adopted to this practise since, because it makes a lot of sense. I had some discussions about this with Chroma, but i dont know for sure if they do it today.

Before i had these filters, i used other filters in filter drawers. And since i was a bit short of these drawers, a lot of handling was involved. Especially when handling in the dark and in a hurry, this can quickly result in some fingerprints. And if these fingerprints aren’t removed instantly and properly, thery might become permanent.
So, my recommendation would be, to not only look for degradation, especially at the edges, but also for finger prints, dots (from droplets), scratches or smearing from improper cleaning. Knowing how the filters have been used before, can help.

i have heard some bad things about antlias halo performance, and had a really bad experience. One of their filters i recieved was defective, had some halo issues.. antlia responded in a week and said it is within factory tolerances.. thank god the retailer offered me a replacement