The Best?

[GrimmJeel]

I currently use 3ds max 2009, but I wanted to know if there is anything better than it? Because I hear about milkshake, maya, 3d weaver( i think)

[Friedslick6]

Maya and 3DSMax seem to be the top contenders, but it really just depends on your preferences. Google Sketchup could be the one for you.

[GrimmJeel]

Google sketchup looks really good thanks!

[Rosencrantz]

Google Sketchup is

um

an architecture program

a free architecture program

that is really bad at modelling

like, it is a really bad idea to do serious modelling with it, especially since you can't do anything else with it.

You want a good 3D program, and you want it free? Get Blender. It's a pretty nifty modelling program, and - again - it's free, so you don't have much to lose when you get it.

I haven't really had experience with 3Ds max or whatever it is, but still: Blender's good.

[LeleleleMAXIMUM]

If you're already using 3dsmax, which is industry standard, why switch?

But for the best free 3d software, I believe it's Blender.
I'll just quote my explanation on why I think Blender is the best:

Spoiler

Blender is free and can do most of the things the expensive ones do.
Some developers use it as an alternative to 3dsmax and maya.

i use it for ALL my 3d modelling, no exceptions.
and that's considering i have tried 3dsmax and have zbrush on my laptop.

While Blender does not have the high-tech simulators of maya/3dsmax, it does support inverse kinematics at least.

One downside to Blender is it's got a steep learning curve. Compared to other programs, I'd say it's behind 3dsmax and anim8or (being the simplest), but ahead of zbrush (zbrush's interface is... goddammit, all my anger and ragggge..). But the fact that there are easy-to-remember shortcuts and hotkeys, and that you could work either solely with the mouse, pen tablet, or mousepad are big plus's, imo.
I have literally sat in class with my laptop and made something in Blender.

All my 3d models were made with Blender and another image editing program (GIMP, MSPaint, or Photoshop).
1. make model
2. possible sculpt
3. unwrap
4. possibly bake the details
5. edit textures in image editing program
6. rig

tl;dr: try out both Blender and Anim8or first, but know that Blender is better in my opinion.

[Shadowth117]

Pretty much what everyone else said. Just switching off of one thing isn't going to immediately make you better at another though. There's going to be a large learning curve with this stuff no matter what software you're using.

[Alverndbl]

If you want a free and powerful one Blender is the best. But be warned... it will scare you at first... until you get used to it.

[GrimmJeel]

I've tried Blender before but it confused me, I guess I'll try it again!

[Lord Melchior]

Additionally, if you want to make 3D animations, I tend to use Cinema 4D.

For modeling though I have to agree on 3DS Max. It has a few features that other programs do not have, and the interfaces on other programs confuse and agitate me.