Hi George,
to IIS.
I'll back up Brian's comments. I started with (and still use) a 4.5" Newt but have built a 10" Dob and have just started down the expensive slippery slope into Astrophotography.
Remember that whatever you start with now can always be sold on to another newbie later and there are plenty of bargains to be found in the 'For Sale' section on this site. Plus plenty of good advice and information.
I'd advise looking for a cheap 8" dob, easy to use and quite a useful scope for all your intended targets. Get Stellarium on a computer and start looking and learning. The binoculars are a dang good start as well, I use mine regularly just for scanning around and getting to know the place.
Good luck and enjoy the ride.
