Still using my first scope which was purchased 18 months ago.
An 8" dobson with 10ml / 20ml / 30ml eye-pieces and 3x barlow.
I have seen a lot of amazing things and now have some very enthusiastic neighbors as well
Though we are looking at a 5-6" refractor in the next month or so for photography the dob is a keeper.
As a first scope I highly recommend a 6 or 8 inch dobsonian and I'd be very interested to hear your comments after you've had a couple of nights viewing
Regards
Trevor