Thanks everyone for your comments and recommendations! I've done a little bit more digging and have decided I'll probably go with the 8". As for brand I'm kind of leaning towards Stellalyra (Apertura/Zhumell) instead of Sky-watcher. Eventhough it is a little more expensive it comes with a few more things that seems beneficial. It is currently out of stock which will give me some time to sit on this decision and do some more digging.
Thanks again!
Good choice. 
Those few more things are more than seemingly beneficial. Far too often beginning users don't realize that their telescope's mirror hasn't reached a proper ambient temperature to the outdoor surroundings and wonder why the view through the eyepiece looks distorted. The fan is a huge upgrade. The better 2 speed focuser makes achieving fine focus easier. The 8 X 50 finder is a plus and the 2 inch eyepiece a significant upgrade over the standard 25mm plossl that the lesser entry level competition offers. I wouldn't suffer paralysis by analysis as to overthinking this choice. Get the scope and start learning to properly use it under the night sky.
Here is an image of one of the last 8 inch Zhumell dobsonians I owned, which is basically the same telescope as the one you are considering. It is a fine telescope. I've owned 2 of them over the years.
Edited by KWB, 21 September 2023 - 09:34 AM.
