I had the same requirements, a visual scope and some astrophotography. I picked the LX 90 8" sct and I'm very happy with it's light gathering power and ease of use, if I could pick only one scope it would be the 8" sct. Size and weight wise the 8" sct is very easy to set up and use for visual work. Planetary and Lunar photos are relatively easy to take with the scope in Alt/Az, Dso's are more difficult but not impossible. I do own a 12" dob f/5 and it is a good Dso scope but it's Focal ratio is a problem for me, I hate coma, for this reason I will never own another scope under f/6 for
visual observation.
This is just my thoughts and I respect that other people will not have the same opinion.
Good luck Norm.
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