Aspen Grove HD find-trying LR3-beta2

Part of standard my workflow uses Adobe LR and with availability of LR-3 beta2 I have been doing some testing with it. Searching through files from last summer, found a aspen grove image with some nice angled back-light which I had passed over processing. On another look I thought it might have some potential. I was originally thinking B&W and am actually quite happy with this conversion using Silver Efex Pro after RAW processing with the new LR engine (the print on Ilford Galerie Silk has some great tonality).

And here is the color version
Which do you like better??

I don't prefer either one, Steve. They're both outstanding. The b&w is all about the patterns and tones whereas the color version has some great contrasts with subtle blue in the trunks and the green undergrowth.

The BW is my favorite. Excellent work Steve!

That's a tough choice. I feel the bright highlights in the grass look better in B&W.

Beautiful shot!
Sharpening looks a bit 'crunchy' here, though.

Great shot! I'm partial to the B&W but both are very nice.

I would have NEVER guessed that that was the color palette when looking at the b&w. Outstanding in both cases. Like Bret, I'll pass on preference, as they're apples and oranges, yet equally stunning. It looks like a drill sergeant just yelled "Ten-HUT!"

Definitely a tough choice...I loved the B&W when I saw it and I am just as in love with the color version.

I'm with Bret and Todd - Both for the same reasons. How's that for wish-washy?

Both are quite nice, but I think I prefer the B&W. The textures of the aspen trunks seem to "pop" a little bit more on it and I agree with Bill that the grass highlights appear better controlled.

Wow, awesome shot! A rarity for me, but I'm going to have to go with the b/w here! That one grabs my attention with the vertical boles; while the color draws my attention down to the grass.