My first telescope was a 60mm refractor on a wooden tripod. I can't remember the make or model. It was a long time ago :-) I would haul it up the steps in the back garden and use it until the cold forced me back inside.
Much, much later I bought a Meade LX200 GPS 10" telescope which weighed a ton when being carried out into the back garden. After a while I was able to get a Meade DSI camera and software which I used to take images. The images were, on the whole, pretty awful as I fought with tracking and polar alignment. Some were OK and the Moon provided a good target.
I still have the Meade and an Orion 80mm short tube. I have purchased a QHY183M camera, ZWO ASI120mm Mini and a ZWO Filter Wheel Mini. For software I use Sharpcap Pro, Registax, Astro Pixel Processor and GIMP.
With my work at iTelescope.Net I had access to a variety of telescopes and cameras which allowed me to get a much better understanding of different systems and how they performed. I will still use my own Meade rig but I really need to get a decent mount!
Well, I am pleased to say that I was fortunate enough to purchase a second hand rig. Takahashi FSQ106ED, Paramount mount and assorted bits and pieces. This is not installed at the time of writing but it will be operational by the end of April 2026.