LRGB portrait of M51

I haven't posted a 'pretty picture' in a while. Due to a lull in the survey work I had the opportunity to capture the following image of M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy in Canes Venatici. over the past two nights.

(Click for the full sized image)
Details:
C14 @ f/5.3, Ap1200 mount, SBIG ST8 XME CCD, Astronomik LRGB filters.
L(90)R(30)G(30)B(30) all in 5 min subs binned 1x1
Processing in Images Plusv3.5, Neat Image Pro and Photoshop

Dave

Great image Dave.
Colours loook great.

That's amazing Dave.

Had M51 in my view on 3rd and it was teh first time I could visually make out any spiral form...

I wonder how much of that is influenced by wonderful images like your one above

One day I'll get a good as you

Peter

Nice shot Dave! Keep em coming.

Hi Dave,

That is very good imaging considering you have been out of the imaging loop for two years now. Color balance looks good loads of detail from the luminance very well processed.

Good man