Hello.
I was wondering if perhaps some folks in this forum can recommend a 3d modeling tool that is well suited to the creation of creatures.  At the present time, I am learning Cinema 4D R10.  I have seen some tutorials on making people with C4D but they seem like a lot of work so I'm not sure if Cinema 4D is best at this particular task.  I am happy with Cinema 4D in regards to making man made things like weapons, tools, buildings, vehicles, etc.  But making a living creature appears to be a whole different ball of wax.  

I also use Vue Infinite for creating worlds and other such environments and that tool is super for that kind of task.  I also use Poser and that tool actually works out quite well for many of my character needs so long as my expectations are within what is available for pre-created poser characters and their morphing abilities.

But then there is the issue of making creatures or monsters.  I have only been able to create such things in a very limited manner with the tools I have, maybe its just a matter of finding the right training materials or maybe I should add another tool like Zbrush to the mix with their zsphere creation abilities, I don't know.

The area of 3d modeling is so vast that I can't help but wonder if someone knows of other tools that can make creature creation.  Animation is not an important thing for me right now.  I mainly need a tool that will allow me to create a 3D creature or monster for still images.  I need them to be 3D so I can create multiple pictures at different angles and in different settings, as well as pose them, to follow story lines for books.  Tools like 3Ds Max or Maya are out of the question due to cost and most of all the learning curve with those tools.  

Anything you can suggest or point out that I can check out are most appreciated.  Thanks in advance.