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Hi Dave, I own an 8" LB and you will be able to see a life time of observing with it.
I started with a 4.5' reflector which allowed me to do the entire Messier 110 and much more. Thankfully I found that after about a year of observing that I had managed to improve my skills to the point that I was starting to push the 4.5 close to it's limits.
After 2 years with the 8" I am nowhere near the limits of the scope. Better ep's, filters, and greater skills consistently allow me to push the limits of the 8.
Will I someday move up in aperture... probably. But only when my skills have pushed the 8 to near the limits of its performance.
If my experience has taught me anything it is that there is no perfect starter scope... or even finishing scope.
If you buy the 8 odds are you will eventually move up to a 12 or bigger. if you buy the 12 you may well decide one day to move up to 16 or bigger.
The trick seems to be to find out what part of this fascination really grabs you and then to start gathering the needed gear.
Here comes my recommendation and please do not take it as the one and only truth. The 8 is a great size scope that does everything reasonably well and will allow you to find what really grabs you.
Once you have found your passion buy the equipment that will feed it.
Brian
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