Because I am coming from using high level programming languages for the projects, when I started looking into PLCs a few years back for a simple automation project for a building, all the PLC ladder logic made me cringe!
If you are looking going into automation industry, then you need to go with the big buy brands. If all is for personal projects I would suggest looking into arduino based PLCs. Yes, there are a few options of those. Nice simple programming, yet all the interfacing on the hardware level is sorted, like on PLCs.
Another option I found very interesting is Sigmatek in Austria. They are using object oriented programming with their PLCs, everything is Industry 4.0 with ton of connectivity and development software is free. The options list is comprehensive and everything is very well designed. The only issue is finding a distributor, whom is happy to sell to makers. They are a bit of a boutique manufacturer.
The last option would be Siemens LOGO devices. They are for basic tasks, plenty of cheap ones on second hand market, and you can get the software cheap or for free (I think Linux version is free, win version CD is like £20-40).