takahashi or astro-physics

Hi,
I've been interested in astrophotography since the late 70's although other
pursuits have kept me from pursuing it. I am now in a position to purchase
equipment for astrophotography, but I am unsure how to proceed. For years,
I wanted to purchase a fine SCT telescope, but these days, refractors seem
to be in vogue. I would like some advice. Should I buy a Meade SCT or
should I buy a refractor? I will primarily be interested in
astrophotography, with visual observing only occasionally. SBIG certainly
seems to be the CCD camera of choice. If I should buy a refractor, should I
go with Takahashi, or should I wait in line for an Astro-Physics telescope?
I want a really fine instrument, although it doesn't have to be the absolute
finest available. I just want to get into astrophotography in a big way and
take some really wonderful images of many of my favorite celestial objects.
Any advice will be very much appreciated. Best wishes,
--MRM