@ RedNova
I started with Imagine 2, having struggled with Real3D. Imagine 3.0 was a big step forward & the Manual made a lot more sense than the Imagine 2 manual ever did. There is still a bit of a learning curve though. I've tinkered with a friends copy of Imagine 4 which has a few extra features over 3, but not massively.
In productivity terms, Lightwave is a far far superior program, but it has a much higher learning curve than Imagine 3 onwards imo.
I haven't used Imagine 3 for years, though I still have a Manual & the disks packed away in a box somewhere....
Good luck with where ever you go with this. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll have fun. It always is with an Amiga.
Kin