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Great thread, Glen. It is always fascinating to hear what different people see. Obviously a lot depends on seeing conditions, light pollution and the instrument being used.
I observed several of the targets on your list on Monday night through an 18" Obsession. Had I known about your list, I would have worked through them all!
IC 418 is a beautiful plantetary. I understand that many people perceive this as red in colour. I described it in my notes as "grey orange, central white star very prominent". What colour (if any) do you see?
NGC 1535 was a first view for me too, Jonathan, and what a cracker! I thought I could see at least two concentric rings around a large central star. No colour, though, in the 18 inch scope (two inches short, no doubt!).
For those who are spending much of their summer days in Orion, you may care to visit NGC 2022, a fine planetary. I'd be interested to hear if you can perceive the central star.
NGC 2438 was the first PN I ever observed. Its vicinty to M46 would have to be one of the most fortuitous "permanent conjunctions" in the heavens. Each sets off the other beautifully, the bright Puppian star field of M46 emphasising the ghostly palour of the PN.
My favourite PN is Caldwell 74 in Vela. Not only is the central star very pronounced, but the object is so bright and compact that is visible under a fully moonlit sky. A rare quality indeed in this elusive brand of objects!
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