mesht

i've been using max's default scanline renderer since i first started learning max. guess u could say i'm backward in technology achievements

eversince with the availability of IES files, my scenes all along have been rendered scanline with Radiosity. produced acceptable results but still far from superb quality

now, i decided to migrate to GI rendering and since i'm new to GI, i've heard of the debates between 3rd party renderer like Finalrender, Brazil, Vray, and Maxwell. so, i don't know which one to start off with. all produce exceptional quality, but also have it pros and cons.

and, how do i convince my office to get a few copies?

crazy homeless guy

what are your final images.. int/ext, stills v animation, ect..

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mesht

mostly still interior images....and some exterior. in my office, clients expectation is high, so our guys try their best to use whatever they have, rendering with mental ray.

as for me, i deicided to try GI both for personal and office.

Maxer

I would recommend going with something that you can get relatively good results from with the least amount of effort. In this case I would say Vray is you best bet, I'd stay away from Final Render it's just to slow and has too many bugs with little support. Vray seems to be fast and it has some advantages like MTD which can produce some very nice looking grass.

manta

I would download Vray free, I think alot of people beleive that because its free, that its useless, but that couldn't be further from the truth, I use it all the time,
its missing some of the bells and whistles of the advanced version, but its far better than the scanline, and much easier than MR...

If you end up liking it, then buy the advanced version...

mesht

thx guys for the tips. i have seen a lot of people using VRay, but i was also looking at Maxwell, seems to deliver equally good quality images. i guess it all boils down on a user preferrences.

Vray and Maxwell are within my budget, but Brazil and Pure1800 is a bit too much.

rivoli

if you're looking for a working/production ready renderer then (if have either to pick up vray or maxwell) go for vray. maxwell is not even in beta and at the moment can't be used in production. it still have too many limitations (render times is not the only one). of course you can bet on its future and on its development, it's up to you.

Sawyer

I keep thinking it would be great to get all the FAQs like this together into a consise spot. Seems at any given day we have multiple vray v. the world postings. Maybe it could have a poll attached and a couple of "Gee I love FR" Or "Wow those support guys at Vray forum are great. Isn't Vlado swell!," type responses. Then you would have to have "All tools are only as good as the user".

This is a good question and obviously valid otherwise it would not come up so often.

For my experiance vray is worth the money. It is not simple to use, it takes time to learn but it gives great results.

rivoli

that's a great idea, i'd pick up the "there are demos out there, go get them" option.

KiboOst

I would avoid pure option as it is hardware, and actually hardware PC are cheap, and software renderer evoluates lot faster and smoother for a renderfarm.
For us, finalRender is the fastest with cleanest GI, and materials are definitely the best with lot of control. But learning need some time, as all is controllable. Once you know it, you get what you want, and very fast, but it can be disturbing at start (that's why some people try it and just let it, saying it is slow etc... )

Kib

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