Last time I replaced the 8-speed chain on my commuter, I used this $20 KMC
Amazon.com : KMC X8.99 Bicycle Chain (8-Speed, 1/2 x 3/32-Inch, 116L, Silver) : Bike Chains : Sports & Outdoors.

Cut it to size, lubed it up with Chain-L and it ran silent (until the rains started). After that it needed periodic re-application until the rains ended (unfortunately for us in Northern California, not too very long after they started).

EDIT: BTW - I am using it on a 35-year old Trek with a mish-mash of parts: Shimano derailleurs, TA crankset, Chorus cassette, Suntour Barcons. Philwood bottom bracket, Mafac brakes, etc. Everything is friction, so it's all good.