Thank you for the reply!
All very informative, thank you so much. I agree with everything you said. I have experience with cameras and even film with motion control rigs. But no experience w/ astrophography. I think what you said is also quite right - buy something I'll actually want to get out and use. So I think I will get a decent refractor myself and family can use for viewing - no Go To mount or anything, but something sturdy like an EQ3-2. Then I can see if I enjoy it, and if I do I can start putting my camera on there and then open that can of worms! At least then I'll have a scope and mount that can be upgraded.
Thanks for your help. And yes, I must try just my Sony + my 85mm f1.4 on a tripod and see what I can snap. I think I have a fast 135mm knocking around too. I would assume anything over 30s exposure I would need to start tracking...
Cheers!
Aidan