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You are asking the questions and have the answers...
I can only add to the chorus. The best scope to use is the scope that works best..
Yes I know that sounds silly but it is so true it needs to be said.
Get yourself to a star party and talk with owners.. I am sure you will quickly 'see' that the dobi's work best.. simple cheap and easy.. and the eight or ten inchers do work so well.
You question the flat base for in field viewing.. ( longish grass ) I can assure you they are well equipped for this..
As for the photography option.. No, dobi's are not the best platform, but cameras are so good today all you need is a mounting.. Talk with some that do this..You will learn much.. I advise for good deep sky object photography all you need is a well mounted modern camara. Not wanting to blow your budget but It is easy to spend a great deal of $ on stuff you do not need.
Spending a fine evening with people that know what they are doing is the very best way for you to get into astronomy..
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