It's a very subjective decision. I've got...oh..Amapi 4.15, 5.15, Strata 2.5.3 Anim8tor, Wings 3d, Poser 3, 4, Corel 8, Bryce 5, Truespace 3, Vue 2, and a host of other stuff that was got from magazines, downloads, or whatever
How much of it do I use? Wings 3d, Anim8tor (for file type conversions, of all things), Doga L1 (which is a fun program, but does 90% of the work for you), Bryce, and Poser. Just depends on what you want to do. Go by the 3d links forum here, look for my 'googly' posting, and you'll have all the free or cheap software that ever clogged a hard drive..;)
Best is what's best for you..just have fun, and eventually you'll find something that you like.

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)