Welcome to the universe.
AP in the traditional sense can be quite expensive, or so I read. I have not dabbled there and have no plans. However there are other forms that are far more approachable that are based on webcams and video cameras.
I just ordered this starer kit for electronically assisted astronomy. That is to say that you don't use an eyepiece you use a camera and view the results on the screen.
http://www.revolutionimager.com/
As the kit comes it uses a plain monitor to display the image but you can also capture the frames to a computer and Stack them to create results that are similar to AP at a fraction of the cost.
WEBCAM ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY - PLANETS
Introductory astrophotography using a Webcam for planetary imaging -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeHj6qT5JSE
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?ann...id=CeHj6qT5JSE
http://www.universetoday.com/108692/...-on-the-cheap/
As I read it, true AP, long exposures with a digital SLR, can require fairly pricey equatorial mounts. But these imaging systems can be used with most Goto mounts or simple tracking mounts and produce pretty good results.
I am going to use the R2 kit with my 80 mm GoTo mount. I should receive it this week.
Just thought I would open up your options. Might influence what scope you choose.
For strictly visual astronomy I think that 10" Dob would be a great start. If you want to dabble in this stuff you might want to consider a GoTo or tracking mount of some kind.
For your consideration.