I started using 3ds max in its 3.0 version if I recall correctly, I have just recently got back into modeling with 3dsmax 9.0 and it is definitely 10x more user friendly than its previous versions. It is expensive, but you can do pretty much anything with it. Programs that used to be separate plug-ins are now integrated fully into the software and it is nothing short of great.

Well, I am working with this great software since 2000, and I could clearly see the many enhancements brought until the final version, if you want to know why did I choose it when I heard of Maya or Cinema4D or Softimage, I tell you :
3DS Max

1 - offer the best user interface for first learners, unlike the other softwares, most of the panels and tools are shown which make it easier and faster to get to the needed tool (of course after some hours of practice)

2 - offer the help and tutorials files in an outstanding pedagogic way, before starting surfing the web looking for tutorials and so on, read the ones you have installed with the soft...

3 - has great file support, you can import and export to a bunch of other great softwares such as RealFlow, Autocad, Poser, Vue...

I have AutoDesk 2008 and its great!!!!!

Wonderful product. Great for the creation of games, animation, and 3d graphics. Very happy with it.

As a student, I am always pleased when a product like this works so well. 3DMax has made learning the art of 3D modeling fun and challenging. I did not expect to pick up the features ans functions as quickly as I did, which has left me more time to work on my projects rather than beat my head in frustration. I still have a lot to learn about this product, but I am nevertheless impressed with the limitless possibilities this product offers. it is a shame that I cannot afford to have a copy for myself.

This is a powerful design program that allow you create a universe of elements and for different professional fields

3D Studio Max shows us why it is consistently one of the industry leading 3D modeling and animating programs. The user interface does take some gegtting used to if one is making the transition from say Maya or another 3D editing software. However once you get into it the interface is quite intuitive. The Hotkey Shortcut map is very useful for those who want to speed things up and work in expert mode. Moving around an object or a sub-object is like a dream with a couple of key/mouse click combos. you can Zoom, Pan, Rotate, Dolly and more!

Max has also been amazing with it's particle systems. The presets are set up for a multitude of events and also come with changeable settings so if you know what kind of system you need you can make the appropriate changes to fit your project. Max also allows you to create you own particle systems from scratch enabling you to create amazing effects!

Max continues to astonish with its user reference guide. From beginner tutorials to complex intermediate projects, Max makes it easy to follow through and learn each part of the program. The Max community is so large in helpful that if there is something the kind doesn't cover the answer is just a few keystrokes away.

I have been using 3D Max for many years and have tried its competitors. I have found max to be the more solid and versatile of them all.

Still some kinks in the modeling

I love what I can do with it and can't wait to learn more.

I have been using 3D Studio since it was launched. Over the years the product has seen many ups and downs. In the past 5 years the series has really stood out well with a rock solid render and some of the best low poly modeling tools out there. But the software is overstuffed with features. As a member of the big 3 (Maya,XSI,3DS Max) it suffers from the same thing they all do. It tries to be a Jack of all trades and thus is the master of nothing. But Max has been around awhile and is a huge community of users and that makes it very well supported.It is very strong suite of tools for game development and its render still makes for some stunning cinematic results

I know that this product isn't cheap, but you can still buy a academic version for around $400. The only catch is that you are gonna have to prove that you are attending college or institute by showing some kind of identification. Other than that, everything works the same as the original. The same thing goes to Maya.

PRODUCT IS GREAT CAN CREATE AMAZING ANIMATION WITH IT. I HAD SOMEWHAT OF A HARD TIME CATCHING ON BUT IS WORTH LEARNING.

Stability issues and odd backward compatibility aside, 3ds max is a great one stop shop for artists looking to get into or produce 3d content quickly and easily. More technical and workflow/pipeline oriented users may find more open platforms like Maya and XSI more suited to their needs, but overall 3ds max is a great introductory package.

MAX is astonishing. I have used other 3D programs both on the PC and Mac sides. Maya, Cinema 4D, Lightwave and Blender. MAX gives you all the tools you need without having to buy modules like other programs.

This is a standard program you will run into with alot of studios. So it's esstinal to get to know it.

Compared to maya it pales in comparison.
- I have always hated the scroll down bars, they are extremely time comsuming.
-The program also max's out at a limited poly count, making the available ram on your computer obsolute when using this program.
-The tool's for scrolling through the views are also none logical. You will find your self scrolling, and moving your mouse across the screen to get the tool you want more than you will be creating.

I am an instructor for 3ds Mac and once I found the right resources, it has been very easy to teach.

im using this product fom last 10 years

I used 3ds Max on my last contract job, and I love it. What a wonderful tool. I couldn't have done the job without it.

3Ds Max is a very good soft. for both the beginners and pros of 3D since it's easy to learn and user-friendly .

I love this programm more than others !
3ds Max 9 RULEZ !!!!!!!!

This is the 3D program that I have learned and I do like it for the most part but I don't care for the fact that most of the stuff that I model in scenes starts slowing down my system. I get too much geometry in there. I don't know, let me know if there is anything I can do to help that.

It's awesome. I've only had slight problems with it and part of them were user issues! :) :) :)