Yes, the ED80 is an excellent scope, and depending on the viewing/astro-photographing habits you develop, you might keep it for good even if you get a bigger scope, because a bigger scope will never give you views as wide ("rich-field") as the ED80 can. I used to own one of these scopes and I was amazed how much an 80mm scope could show me and how good the image quality was.
But you are right that it would be lacking on deep sky, and also on planets, because of lack of aperture. But it is probably as good a scope as you can get at 80mm and it is better value now than ever before. If you decide to go for it, try and get the MyAstroshop $549 special with the tube rings and dovetail mounting plate. Get an AZ3 or Vixen Porta (better!) mount for it, if you want max portability, or an EQ5 if you have a reason to want an EQ.
You will also need a diagonal and some good eyepieces. Given your $1500 budget, the ED80 is probably your best choice if you want a most complete quality setup, without having to skimp on eyepieces and/or other accessories.
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But check out a dob first.
(Sorry, I can't help myself. I'm hooked.
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