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While the HEQ 5 would probably handle the Dob tube, for astrophotography I'd suggest the EQ6. Don't forget you will need an additional scope to guide through so this will add additional weight, plus guide rings and mounting bar plus camera, adapters, cables yadda yadda. All of which, while only small in individual weight quickly add up.
I can't comment on the 8" dob for image, as I like my ED80 (much easier to learn with as it has a shorter focal length, plus it is easier to get Focal reducers for it.), but the dob has a faster f ratio which is a bonus. BTW if you use an 8" dob, I don't think the standard tube rings will fit it, you may need to get special ones made up. I looked into do this with a 10" dob and the dob tube was much wider (by about 30mm) than a standear 10" newtonian tube.
Don't forget cool down, ED80 cools much quicker than a newt. Collimation is also needed for the newt while the 80, once collimated should stay there unless dropped or similar.
Also what are you going to image? How are you going to control your guiding? What you can image (ie what can be seen with an 8" dob compared to ED80) depends on your exposure time, f ratio, field of view and a whole range of variables. The ED80 will do lovely moderately wide field shots where as the 8" will have a much narrower fov (82x125 arcmin for ED80 and Canon 300D and 41x62.4 arcmin for an f6 8" newt and canon 300d).
As for goto. If it works its great if it doesn't it can be a pain. Generally it does make life a lot easier though.
Hope that helps.
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