Thanks for your comments. I strongly recommend using a star atlas and 50mm binoculars to help find DSO.
I also think an 8 inch dobsonian is a good scope for bright DSO objects. eg Guan Sheng GS-680 200mm x 1200mm $449.00 AUD
Combine that with a UHC filter for $130 to $160 and you will see these objects well.
See this page for a comparison of UHC filters.
http://www.astrosurf.org/buil/filters/curves.htm