I prefer brifters over bar-end shifters but I thought I couldn't use them with a MTB crankset and MTB front derailleur.
After a lot of research, I found that Campagnolo ergopower 10 speed shifters work perfectly with an 8 speed shimano cassette (or with 9 speed cassette with a cable trick). Also, the front ergo shifter is not indexed, so I can use a front MTB derailleur. Unlike STI shifters, which are useless to me because they have indexed front shifting and less cable pull than needed for a MTB derailleur.