Hi Nick
I’m a newbie as well ( 2.5 years into the hobby)
My main visual scope is a Bintel GSO 10” dob and my imaging scope is a Bintel GSO 6” f6 reflector on a HEQ5 Pro Mount. I use my wife’s old Canon 600D DSLR which takes great images
My advice is to start with a 6” f5 or 6” f6 reflector as they are both great visual scopes and beginner Astro scopes, easy to collimate, light weight, cheap ( mine was around $300 )
After a few years of experience under your belt you could upgrade to an 8” f5 with a EQ6 Mount ( an 8” will struggle on a HEQ5 mount with your imaging and guiding gear plus dew control , cable drag etc etc) or spend a lot more money and go down the refractor path
I can’t fault my 6” f6 it’s a great all round scope
Attached are some of my images this year
Good luck with your decision
Cheers
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