Hi Tim,
Aperture always wins with the views of the heavens. But really there is not much between the 3 you asked about, I know as i have had them all. At the moment i have the Mak 180 on a CG5 mount. Also I'm about to get a C8 and use it for imaging. If I was to pick one out of the 3 it would be the 9.25 but i would prefer a bigger mount. So with my mount the smaller 2 are better. For planetary work you talk about as I said not much between the 3.
I like the Mak as its long focal length lends it self to using good eye relief eyepieces. But really all 3 scopes do. As you have a C8 I would not bother buying the Mak yes maybe get the 9.25 but really the next step up should be minimum C11 or bigger then you need a bigger mount. If you can have a look through a Mak and your welcome to come and see mine and try to look through a 9.25 i think you will find no point on stepping to either.
All fun to think about, a pic of my mak on the CG5 easy set up not to big and heavy
but hey your gear is nice stick with it.
