hi. i have found that using a star map like star charts
http://www.austskyandtel.com.au/books.htm (you can also buy from york optical) was a easier way for me to find some deep space objects. i found that this map give you a better idea of where an object is. also i used the skyandtelescopes interactive star chart to give me an idea of when and where the planets and consolations are.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/s?action=login . this helped me get started so i hope this helps.
les.