Blender is also free. If you get into the commercial software you're probably going to spend some money. I've personally used Lightwave (long time
ago) and played with 3d studio max. I liked both. Blender is free as I said but has somewhat of a learning curve that i think is a bit steeper than
the other 2 I mentioned.
I use 3d max , imo its the most friendly user ( i have only used maya , 3d max, autocad and zbrush for oganic modeling) , and there are more tutorials
for it on the internet in relation to others.
You dont have to buy the original , just download the "free" version if you like it you buy it.