Roger , 5-8 inches is a big refractor , f10-15 in that size is getting pretty large so a good EQ mount is needed , but some have built good Dob style mounts on tall tripods to use long thro refractors to good effect , but its at the high power 300x plus that these monsters shine on the moon , planets and double stars and in my opinion a good EQ mount is a must .
am a refractor guy ,,, but 
I am finding my new C9.25 is growing on me ...
Brian.