Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated.
The cropped version of the galaxy itself wasn't meant to be presented as a great image, there just isn't enough focal length in my setup to present the galaxy on its own. But I did enjoy seeing the barred spiral and of course it makes me want more focal length
I'm hoping the addition of an IDAS LPS filter will help with colour balance and noise in the background. I haven't ordered it yet but it's very close
Most of my imaging is done from my backyard so it'll definitely help there.
I'm enjoying the challenge of DSO imaging.. the real challenge will come in about a month when Jupiter isn't a dawn object anymore, and will really present a night-time choice - planetary or deep-space
At least planetary can be done when there's a moon about.
Thanks again. More images from the last 2 weeks coming soon.