[Jeff]

Below are some of my favourites, which are fairly large and bright compared to many of the other DSOs (such as galaxies and planetary nebulas):

1. NGC 5139 (Omega Centauri) - best globular star cluster, 0.6deg, mag 3
2. NGC 104 (47 Tucane) - great globular star cluster, 0.5deg, mag 4
3. M42 (Orion Nebula) - large emission/reflection nebula, 1.1deg, mag 4
4. NGC 3372 (Eta Carina Nebula) - best nebula, 2deg, mag 3
5. M45 (Pleiades) - open star cluster, 1.6 deg, mag 2
6. M44 (Beehive) - open star cluster, 1.6 deg, mag 3.1
7. M47 - open star cluster, 0.5 deg, mag 4.4
8. M41 - open star cluster, 0.6 deg, mag 4.5
9. Jewel Box - small colourful open star cluster, 0.2deg, near B-Crux

See pics attached below .. for an idea of what shapes to look for.

Hope this helps.