Lightwave is rather inexpensive in comparison to the others as well as Modo. Modo is not really a complete package yet though but it does some things that Lightwave does not, more modern poly modeling and painting displacement and color.

I would reccomend whatever you are most comfortable with, make sure you try all of the evaluation versions before you spend you're money. Most of these different render engines can achieve a good render just through different ways. I often take the same object and bring it into different packages try to get a good render out of each of them for practice.

I agree, definitely try out any demos of a package you may be interested in - also once again, great work, Grendel!

For me, XSI imports MOI's objects (when selecting the 'User Normals' option) just as well as Cinema 4D does so that's another good choice (though just as pricey!)

Lightwave would be great considering its price if they'd just get their act together with their imports and exports.

I haven't tested LW's latest version yet cause frankly, I've taken a wait and see stance on how v9.5 finalizes.

-Will

Will
LW9.5 is now the final free update version. (No longer a Beta)

Have not been excited enough to reload LW to my computer yet though.

Brian