I completely understand feeling overwhelmed with the multitude of options available when it comes to telescopes. It's great that you're willing to invest in something decent that will serve both your viewing and astrophotography needs, rather than opting for a budget option that may need upgrading down the line.
Did you wind up coming to a conclusion though?
To be fair, I think no matter what you chose your interest will evolve into something else or you'll find limitations to find something else. This is partly why I always try to buy secondhand although it's v tough to find decent equipment. I'm also a stickler and get a persons' name so check their information through social media and other sites I found online. There's plenty of others though, just do your due diligence.
Lastly, imo, the Skywatcher Explorer 200P EQ5 is a solid choice within your budget. It's a reflector telescope with a 200mm aperture and an EQ5 mount that can handle some astrophotography. However, it's worth noting that the EQ5 mount may not be the most stable for long-exposure astrophotography. If you're mainly interested in viewing, it should be a good choice.