I'm no expert m'friend, and "best" is a subjective term.  First, what is your skill and experience level with at programs in general?  With art in general?   With your computer in general?  How quickly do you usually pick up programs and applications?  These are questions you have to ask yourself before delving into something.

Wether or not it is "best" Poser is definately one of the easiest to learn, and thats not saying much, as all programs dealing in the 3d universe take time to learn.  There are no "quick" ways, and no make art button.

If you are looking to make still images, poser is probably your best bet.  I say this because, to learn 3dsmax, (or a similar "high end" program), learn modeling and its truly difficult user interface seems a long way around to get simply a 2d image out of it.

If you have no figure drawing experience, or painting, consider the price tag of 3dsmax.  Thats quite an investment for something that might be more than you really need.  Don't get me wrong its an excellent program, but might be overkill.

edit: P.S. if you are "knocking youself out mastering poser"...... 3dsmax from what i understand is 100 times more difficult to gasp.