Novice with refinishing-best sealer/finish for dining table?

I purchased a 54” round dining table from a thrift store and removed the existing paint through sanding, then removed the stain underneath the paint. It is bare wood now and I have plans to rub on wood conditioner, special walnut stain then seal it. In the past I have used water based poly and have had great finishes from it but I am not sure if it would be the best protection for a dining table. I am a total novice when it comes to refinishing wood pieces and am just learning a bit here and there as I go, but working with anything oil based intimidates me and we don’t have a sprayer (I understand some finishes need to be sprayed on only?). Thanks for your help!