Celestron's C6-SGT is perfect for the intermediate observer or astrophotographer. The computerized mount has a database of more than 40,000 objects, and you can even use the port on the hand controller to control the telescope through your laptop.
This is the perfect scope for an amateur astronomer and/or an amateur astrophotographer for the price range it's in. The next class seems to start out about $250 more for a much less sturdy, and standalone mount, and maybe jumps to $1600 for a computerized mounts, base.