M51 Whirlpool Galaxy

[Nerf_Caching]

Here is one hour and 4 minutes of data (30-second subs) from a Bortle 8 sky using an Astronomik CLS filter and stock Canon 650d. I used a Skywatcher Evostar 72ED refractor on top of a Star Adventurer unguided. 

Edited June 20, 2020 by Nerf_Caching

[Demonperformer]

NGC 5195 visible? Check.

Spiral arms visible? Check.

Bridge between the galaxies visible? Check.

Pretty good result with such limited data using a stock DSLR.

Well done.

[Kyle Allen]

Nice image. I was imaging the same galaxy last night too!

[MartinB]

Quite a challenge given your bright skies so well done with this.  You've avoided the temptation to over process which is great.  Perhaps worth getting a bit more data.

[MarkAR]

Well done, especially in Bortel 8 skies with a stock Canon.

[soundwave]

Very cool! Is that with or without Dark frames?

[Nerf_Caching]

10 minutes ago, soundwave said:

Very cool! Is that with or without Dark frames?

With dark frames. It was awkward taking dark frames especially on a sidewalk with people passing by who may have been wondering what I was photographing with the lens cap on!

[soundwave]

9 minutes ago, Nerf_Caching said:

With dark frames. It was awkward taking dark frames especially on a sidewalk with people passing by who may have been wondering what I was photographing with the lens cap on!

That's hilarious 😄 
"Should I tell him his lens cap is on?"

[uhb1966]

Very nice! You may be better of with longer subs (if possible). Great for Bortle 8!