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20/02/2025 4:41 pm
Already using Blender for most stuff but need to pick up either Maya or 3ds Max for professional work. I do a bit of everything - modeling, animation, some VFX. Been watching comparisons but everyone seems biased towards what they learned first. Looking for honest opinions from people who've used both. Budget isn't an issue, just want to make the right choice for long-term career.
Which would you pick and why?
06/03/2025 10:05 am
Truth is - both are solid choices but have different strengths. Maya is king for animation/rigging, but Max's modifier stack is unbeatable for modeling. We actually use both in our studio - Max for modeling/environments, Maya for characters/animation. If you absolutely have to pick one though, Maya probably has more job opportunities these days.
10/03/2025 11:00 am
unpopular opinion maybe but go with Max. Way faster for quick turnaround work. Been doing TV/advertising for years and the modifier stack is a lifesaver when clients want changes yesterday. Maya's great but takes longer to get stuff done.
thiva32 reacted
11/03/2025 10:57 am
max all the way!!! maya interface drives me crazy lol
12/03/2025 3:41 pm
Currently using Maya but honestly prefer Max for modeling. Thing is, most big studios use Maya for their pipeline. If you're going freelance, Max might be better - lots of archviz and advertising work. For studio jobs, probably Maya. Really depends on your career goals.
Topic starter
14/03/2025 12:13 pm
Thanks for all the feedback! Seeing a pattern where people use Maya at work but prefer Max for actual modeling. Might try Max first since I do a lot of quick client work. Can always pick up Maya later if needed.
18/03/2025 12:03 pm
Just remember - plugin costs add up with Max. Maya has more built-in features for VFX. But yeah, if you need fast modeling workflows, Max is probably your best bet.
19/03/2025 8:54 am
question - anyone tried the new Max 2025 modeling tools? heard they improved a lot
24/03/2025 5:11 pm
@HowardZes yeah, they're better but still not touching Maya's animation tools. Though with Phoenix FD being easier than Bifrost, Max definitely wins for quick VFX stuff.
HowardZes reacted