Best Renderer?

Gaieus

perhaps making an "extremely" realistic render comes down to our knowledge of the program, irrespective of what that program is.

That's it. Note that the video you linked is a demo reel - obviously made of the renders of the "masters" of Maxwell and there is definitely no guarantee that you will be able to make such perfect renders without a certain learning curve.

Frederik

Obviously, my opinion will be seen as biased...

I'm sure many will chime in here (seem to be the never ending story) and tell you which one they prefer...
IMO that doesn't say anything, since it's a matter of personal preference, which - in most cases - is based on limited knowledge... (sorry, don't mean to offend anyone here...)
Many have only tried a couple of applications and they seem to stick with the one, where they grasped the workflow easiest...
(once again, this doesn't say anything about their capabilities or rendering skills...)

I'm sure you will get a better answer, if you make a list of what you want to render...
Is it archvis...?
Is it landscape...?
Is it object...?
Etc... etc...

My suggestion/recommondation...
All render applications have a demo versions available...
I suggest you download the demo version, play around with it and make your decision based on you own observations...

Remember quotes taken from other wise persons here at the SCF...

There is no one renderer that can do it all.
All good renders are born from great models.
The best render app for you is the one you enjoy using, not neccesarily the one with the most features.

holmes1977

Yup great renders shown in that youtube clip. Id say years of experience went into making those renders.
But they had to start somewhere. There are lots of good renderers. You need to figure out:

What you want to achieve
How much time you have to commit to it.
Is it profitable. (If thats what your aim is)

I was sold on a similar demo of Vray renederer. Ive now been thrashing that programme for 2 years. Still
feel I have so much more to learn. BUT Ive loved every minute of it.

Do lots of research before you commit to any programme. Which I see you are doing

Anyway to answer your question Im a Vray fan. For Arch viz its the holy grail I feel. Almost all competition winners in Arch Viz use 3ds Max and Vray. Thats why I headed in that direction.

Good luck

jason_maranto

Maxwell was my choice too and have not regretted it in any way... it's been a few years since I've played with the demo of any other render engine because I have been so content with Maxwell.

Different users will have different goals for the render they choose... for many it is speed and for some it is cost, but my goal is/was the highest possible realism at any cost.

Best,
Jason.

mitcorb

@Frederik:
That was fair and honest advice. Of course, from my observances of your many comments, that's just who you are.

Gaieus

@frederik said:

Many have only tried a couple of applications and they seem to stick with the one, where they grasped the workflow easiest...

That's one of the most important points here. Really there are very few members here who can tell that they know all the ins and outs of all renderers and could formulate an unbiased opinion. I could not, I am sure.

And certainly, the proper tool for the proper job... All depends what you want to render mainly. And what your budget is, how easily you pick up these things etc...

arail1

Solo is the best renderer

ledisnomad

There was a thread awhile ago that lists all (most?) of the rendering apps for SU. I started a spreadsheet there that I had hoped would be edited by all that lists the rendering apps, their features, strengths, and weaknesses. Here's a link to that thread: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=3220&hilit=renderers&start=45 Anybody interested in helping me make this spreadsheet more useful and complete?

sketchyarchitect

wow a lot of good advice!

It does make sense you use specific programs for specific types of renders...
which is why I think a descriptive catalog of render programs is a fantastic idea! ..although it would require continuous reiteration to keep up with the changes/upgrades with every program re release.

sketchyarchitect

that renders list is perfect! really helpful