Are filters (coloured) worth it

[Ukastronomer]

I have often wondered if coloured filters are worth having

There are some who say yes and yet when i google them many threads say

"In most cases no"

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/486719-are-planetary-filters-really-worth-it/

I am talking coloured filters, I do use my Baader 2" variable polar for Moon, occasionally my O111

[JeniSkunk]

I think it very much depends on what scope you have, what you're observing, and what details you're trying to colour mask, or enhance.
Because of that, I don't think there is a clearly definable 'yes' or 'no', that is applicable to everyone, all the time.

[TareqPhoto]

I still not sure if those colorful filters has any use truly, at least i am talking about imaging, for visual i feel any filter can be fine for me because i have no issue viewing without any filter, so any filter can just be like an addition enhancer only but not a big difference there.


I bought a set of 6 filters at once, and i showed that in Facebook, but then someone came and told me to get one filter than is not included although i have one very similar to it, so i don't know if this is all just a joke or people really really can see the difference, for example if i use a Red filter then someone will say go for Orange, and i have Yellow filter in the set and someone told me the the Light Yellow is the best filter for the moon, so it is likely i need to buy another different set of colorful filters to cover it all.

[Wavytone]

Using a refractor - particularly an achromatic - there is some merit in using them at high power on bright double stars, planets and moon to minimise any residual chromatic aberration and hence maximise resolution.

On Mars, Jupiter and Saturn there is some point in them, to increase the contrast of coloured features.

[astro744]

Yes, for the serious planetary observer wanting to identify different coloured features by enhancing contrast at different wavelengths, they are worth it.

See http://alpo-astronomy.org/mars/articles/FILTERS1.HTM

[Ukastronomer]

Thanks I'll save my money

[Outcast]

Some of you may find this a useful reference.. do they work?

To some degree, yes; some very well, some meh...

I also have a 29 page document on filter use, wavelength filtering, etc.. which provides a comprehensive reference document on a variety of filters (not just coloured planetary filters)...

It's a little large to post here but, if you would like a copy, please pm me your email address & I will send it to you..

Cheers