having a realistic view of my design???

[Raggi_Thor]

Thanks for that input.
I have downloaded V-ray and will try it.
Some time ago I tried a free renderer, I think it as Blender(?), but I never figured out how to use it. For me it's worth while to spend a few hundred dollars if it's well documented, user friendly and has shorter rendering time.

[cgorton]

I've been using Vray for Rhino (the proper name of this plug-in) since early beta. www.asgvis.com
I haven't touched Flamingo since then. It works inside Rhino just like Flamingo does.

I believe that currently Vray is about like Rhino in price ($800). So, there is a significant difference b/w Vray and Flamingo. But if you plan to use renderings to generate revenue, I don't see why you would stick with Flamingo.
The difference in speed alone is worth the switch. To get a similar quality render, the times are probably 1/10 that of Flamingo. (I know, this greatly depends on the type of set-up.) I often do "concept" renderings for clients- these are not for being published in magazines- and I can crank out 6 images, email them, modify the design, and send 6 more... before lunch... while multi-tasking!

Vray is a bit more complicated than Flamingo. I would say the learning curve for me was about the same, but I already knew Flamingo when I started Vray. However, the Vray for Rhino forum is very good- the developers and a few expert users are on par with Rhino's guys at helping and responding. There are pre-set render options that are available online, and a growing material library.

You will get realistic materials and lighting from Vray. I know how great I thought Flamingo was just 3 years ago, but now I look at those renderings and I can see such an improvement. Especially if you want to look into the boat or cockpit. I'll try to post some yacht examples (most are still proprietary) and I think you will agree.

Vray is the best plug-in renderer now available for Rhino. Brazil isn't out (and seems to not be moving as fast as Vray did) and Maxwell seems like an experiment. If my computer were 100 times faster I might consider it. Flamingo 2.0 hasn't progressed at all- I know they've been working on R4. But even so, it seems like the new features are just a simpler interface. Lightdomes are not a satisfactory substitute for global illumination. I get the feeling that McNeel is going to let others specialize in top-end renderers and offer Flamingo as a one-step-better-than-default option.

Check out some of the Vray tutorials for a good idea of what is entailed.
Note that until you register, you won't see all the forums.

Cheers,
Craig

[jeastman]

Hey, one of the best is Bryce. It's only $100.00 or so and does amazing work for water.