Herschel,
Good decision to get a dob. I got the GSO 10" not too long ago and I'm loving it. I can't really comment on how that compares with the 8", but it's the sweet spot of aperture vs portability at the larger end, at least for me. I do not put aperture above all else, so I could see the 8" working for somebody else who was in a different situation to me. Advice I had sought on this forum beforehand was spot-on. I also got this tool from Bintel to collimate it:
http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories...oductview.aspx
Once you figure out what's what when you look through it, it's actually straight forward. The device itself is remarkably simple and built like a tank. I would recommend getting the knurled collimating knobs for the secondary. They were the only mod I felt was needed. Bintel sells those as well. The philips head screws were just a pain. The primary knobs & locking screws are sufficient IMO and do not need replacing. I understand they were a recent addition by GSO.
In terms of eye pieces, I was fortunate enough to already own a few premium ones, and these give unbelievable views in the dob, despite a bit of coma (which I find perfectly acceptable). However, I think the GSO 30, 24, and maybe even the 15 will keep you happy for a while. Personally I did not like the 9mm, it was crap TBH and I have no use for it. Could be a bad sample though.
I intend to fill the gaps in my eyepiece lineup with some ES samples later on. I have looked through quite a few and found them to be excellent value.
Anyway enjoy your scope once you get it out under the stars. Inner West sounds worse than it is. I know I'm a bit further out, but depending on where you are, you may actually get quite reasonable views.
OK back to work, lunch break nearly over..
Edit: Alex, interesting read as always. 5mm Hyperion has been added to my wish list
