I was on the same learning path you're on now for about 18 months, and I decided on two tents. First, for backpacking and general camping, I got a Durston X-Mid 2-person tent. Super light, easy to set up, you can use hiking poles or use their ultralight shock-corded adjustable poles (or break a thin tree, for that matter) to hold it up. It's super easy to use, really easy to carry, and durable. I would suggest their groundcloth too, to be safe. The second tent I settled on is the Litefighter 2, which is current military issue and is really a great tent. It's pretty bulletproof, comes with its own groundcloth, and easy to pack up and carry. The Durston comes in at 35oz, just over two pounds. The Litefighter weighs more, about 120oz. Both are easy to carry but I made the choices because I like to go light for thru-hiking and backpack camping, and because the Litefighter works great for those or for everything else too, and is in Multicam when I want/need to blend into the surroundings. Both are excellent quality and durable.
If I'm going with one tent, it's the Litefighter. If you need a four-season tent, you can just add their winter layer to it too, then it's a very capable four-season shelter. Good luck on your choice!