Nice report Suzy and well done on getting 5128. It is fairly bright galaxy although it is large and evenly illuminated so can be a challenge. Low power certainly helps so binos should have no dramas with it. The dark lanes on the other hand are challenging. I had several attempts before I was confident I was seeing them, then one really clear still night with great seeing they just poped out and I was seeing filaments and that lovely curve in the lane. Also when it is really good the glow from the galaxy is wider than the lanes, thats a breathtaking sight! Now you have the star hops worked out, keep revisiting as it will be easy for a few months yet and you will satrt to see more detail.
Malcolm
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