This is kind of asking 'How long is a piece of string' with just as many answers. The answer really is down to you in the sense that you will need to find the program that suits you and your way of working. If possible, download trial versions of those that your interested in and see which one you find most comfortable working with. As far as Blender goes, the interface is daunting on first look but if you persevere with it, you will find it can do pretty much anything that other pay for programs can do. personally, I have Max, Bryce, Wings, Vue and Blender, but my program of choice remains Blender as I can work faster than in the others. (This could be because I havn't learnt the others as well of course). As always it's down to personal choice.