The choice of aperture with dobs is a point of (nearly) endless discussion. I have owned an 8" and 12" solid tube and now use a 20" truss dob. When I got the 8" I thought it was big but it was easy to handle and move about. Even if I was a "small built female" (I'm not BTW) I feel it could be easily handled. The 12" on the other hand was a considerable increase in work to move around.
I ended up building a trolley (see
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=47433 ) which made life a lot easier.
Really you need to balance a whole bunch of factors in amking a decision. If you are content to only occasionally view some bright showpiece objects - small scope, if you want to hunt for obscure galaxies or planetary nebs - big scope. If you only want to observe when the fancy takes you - small scope, if you are a passionate observer keen to make the most of every clear night - big scope
may suit. If you have fitness issues - small scope. If you have budget limitations - small scope.
Others may be storage space, spouses attitude to having a big lump of gear in the house, size of your car, is observing being done at home or away.
There is no one right answer, just think about it and get the right size for you!!
Finally 2 points.
1. There are plenty of female observers using scopes bigger than 6". So lets put an end to the silly stereotyping. Good thing JJJ and Petra are OS at the moment!
2. Lets focus on the individual. Statements like "don't get smaller than a 10" " and similar statements only serve to confuse.
Malcolm