Chris
I will attempt to clarify a few things. Firstly the main thing to remember is that scopes that are ideal for visual use will not be usually suitable for imaging. So the first decision is which way to go. Imaging has a very steep learning curve and also requires deep pockets. I know some people that have been at AP for quite a few years and are only just starting to get results.
Dobs are favoured these days for visual for a number of reasons. Main one is aperure for cost. An 8" go to SCT (eg a Meade LX90 8") costs about $2700 and still requires power to operate. An 8" dob with solid tube should cost about $500 and requires no power and (in my opinion) gives view at least as equal t the LX90. In addition the GOTO scopes require aligning and setup, while a dob simply needs cooling down.
Truss tube dobs are more portable and the SW ones are very simple to setup, but they cost a bit more and youhave to be a litte nore careful with collimation, but all round they cool quicker and take up less room.
EQ mounts are the prefered option for imaging. Avoid lightweight EQ mounts is my advice. Anything less than an HEQ5 is just about useless for imaging and will only lead to frutration if used for visual (i know this from bitter experience!) The reason is that they do not move in a simple up/down and left/right action but rather in circles around the polar axis. One resut of thsi can be eyepieces pointing to the ground!
Anyway, that is my thoughts. On the 8" go to scope, they are a very good scope. If looking for a Go To 8" the Orion one available from Bintel is a bit cheaper, but it is aolid tube
http://www.bintel.com.au/Telescopes/...6/catmenu.aspx
Malcolm