Top ten list

Its been a while, and I'm always curious to hear the answeres. What would be part of a top ten list of deep sky showpieces - excluding globular clusters - for a mod to large dob under dark skies.
Joe

Okay; I'll jump into the fire! I'll omit GC's per your request, and leave Double Stars for the smaller aperture scopes.

First, the obvious ones: M42, M57, M8, M51, & M11

Then a couple double objects from the Messier list: M81/M82, and M46 with the Planetary Nebula (NGC 2438) in the foreground.

The Eastern Veil, NGC 6992-6995

Then a couple more obscure personal favorites because you get two objects in one view (I'm lazy!):
NGC 6939 (OC) with NGC 6946 (SG) at the Cyg/Cep border; and NGC 6520 (OC) with B86 (DN) in Sgr.

Hugh Bartlett