Pioneer is a good taste of 3D, but if you need Poser or any other type of imports, you have to have at least the 3DImport module.  If you look at the prices, the best prices are for the "bundles", Esprit, Pro, and Complete.  But if you are on a budget, $129 is easier to swing. 

Bottom line - 3D is an expensive hobby.  But, if you do it good enough it can turn into job offers.  Then the software starts to pay for itself...

LVS - Where Learning is Fun!  
http://www.lvsonline.com/index.html