I run with a combo of the C4D core (includes Bodypaint), advanced render (includes pyrocluster) and hair modules. Seriously cheaper than some of the other big proggys and a really cool user community (almost as good as the bryce crowd.) Lot of em came from here as well. Try downloading the demo.

What specificaly are you looking to do?

Pass no temptation lightly by, for one never knows when it may pass again!