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Hi - it looks like you’re asking all the right questions. A 8-10inch dob would be a great starting point for that money, but will be quite frustrating when it comes to astrophotography (which was listed as one of the favoured goals). My advice would be to keep an eye in the 2nd hand market which could well provide an offering of a small GOTO tracking EQ mount and refractor package within your budget. For example, there is a eq5 and ed72 for sale on IIS right now for $1100 for both. Something like that would be far superior for photography. Alternatively a 2nd hand 6-8inch sct on tracking mount may be in your budget and be good for visual and short exposure EAA (electronic assisted astrophotography). EAA is (in my opinion) an excellent pathway into astrophotography.
The second hand market requires a degree of care and discretion on purchasing, but can provide some quite good quality gear at a more affordable price (kits often include lots of peripherals that could easily blow a budget). Also, if he decides to go in a different direction you can often sell it for virtually the same price.
All the best for you and your son’s future stargazing and scientific endeavours!
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