50D and astrophotography?

I know some of you folks have used the 50D for astrophotography. What's your experience with it? Prime and eyepiece projection are mainly what I'm curious about. How was the experience?

I've had some decent results using my XTi for through-the-telescope shots (I've got a Meade t-adapter and tube), but focusing without a stiletto is nightmarish. Hartmann Masks have been of limited effectiveness.

My wife wants a 50D, and we're probably going to take the plunge come March. It's just now suddenly struck me that the Live View function might be a godsend for me and my focusing problems. Thoughts?

I use a 40D a fair bit and though live view can help a bit for focusing it is not the be all and end all plus it ruins your night vision!

jblaschke wrote in post #6893126
Hartmann Masks have been of limited effectiveness.

LiveView is a huge boon for focusing - zoom 10x, focus on moderately bright star, bingo (I use it on a 40D, as well).

Hartmann masks are nothing compared to Bahtinov masks - they're all the rage. Click the link in my sig to find out about them.

Many of the folks on CN are having even better results using Bahtinov + LiveView.

David

P.S. Oh, and this is the astro photo-sharing forum, not the astro discussion forum - perhaps a mod could move this?

The 50D is excellent for astrophotography.

Sensitive, low noise even at ISO 1600, LiveView with 10x zoom.

What's not to like?