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Hi Nick, the Heq5 pro is a great start out mount and very underrated as far as far as its load carrying capabilities. 8" f5 newt is an easy load, the struggle is getting good balance and the big tube will be susceptible to wind vibrations. I would see if your 8" dob will focus on the moon with a camera and if so get some tube rings and try that out on your new Heq5. If you are serious and your budget allows go straight to the Eq6 R pro mount, it's a lot dearer but a good mount makes imaging much easier.
Breaking all the "rules" I have a 10" f4.8 skywatcher dob mounted on a Heq5 pro mount on a pier (I wouldn't feel confident with it on a tripod, although some do). The standard single speed dob focuser on mine handles a DSLR, coma corrector and off axis guide camera.
Some differences between GSO and Skywatcher, Skywatchers use pyrex glass vs Bk7 and their OTA's are lighter than GSO's, focusers are probably on par quality wise.
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