James Kirk (James T. Kirk?).
I have an 8" dob I bought second hand. It's Bintel's premium model - a Guan Sheng scope.
I can answer a couple of questions.
Yes, you'll see a huge amount more than you do with your eye. Yes, the image is bigger (anywhere from 40 times to maybe 260 times bigger), but you do see much more detail because you are able to resolve finer details. Eg, a star that is just one bright point to your eye (eg. Alpha Centauri) is clearly seen to be two close stars when examined at higher magnification.
Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will all be very interesting sights through the scope.
Viewing the Moon will be bright, but it won't damage eyes. However, most suppliers will include a 1.25" dia neutral density filter (a "Moon filter") as part of the package. If not, ask for one and they'll probably agree. You might need a 2" dia one as well for any 2" eyepiece you have (or maybe to use on the Barlow lens - see below). Sometimes (like at present) you might even want to use the filter when looking at Jupiter (or at Venus in a few months when it is brightest). You'll love the detail you can see on the Moon's surface. Don't just look at full moon - follow the "terminator" (line between sunlight and dark) as it changes position on the surface each evening,
Collimation of the scope will be important - search for "collimation" in the forum (or check the articles section). You will need a collimation tool (cheshire and/or laser).
A Barlow lens would also be useful. I'd suggest a 2" dia, 2 times magnification. That gives you twice the magnification for each eyepiece so you can increase your range of magnification. It will take both 2" eyepieces and 1.25" eyepieces (with its adapter). Also you can put a 2" netural density filter on the bottom of the barlow and then use any eyepiece viewing the Moon without having to worry about fitting filters to the eyepiece.
Try to get a scope with a Crayford-type focusser rather than a rack & pinion-type.
Just a few thoughts to get you started.
I wish I'd started when my children were younger.
Eric
