whats your technique for imaging Venus

[seeker372011]

Every time I turn my scope (a newt) on to Venus and try to get an image I get massive diffraction spikes...how do you experts avoid this?

[iceman]

Turn the exposure or frame rate down :)

I've never had problems with spikes on Venus, with my newt. Because it's so bright, I usually use 1/33 or 1/50s exposure, with zero gain if possible.

[seeker372011]

even at 1/33 I got spikes, however I kept gain at about 20 %..maybe that's the problem
thanks for the tip

[John K]

Imaging well before sunset against a bright sky also helps (I am assuming you are doing this) and using a filter even if it's a light blue W82A can help reduce glare a little.

Have not had this problem on my reflector but have done my Venus imaging recently at 1/200 sec, 10fps and 15% gain.