depends on you.
You really can't say what the number one type of 3d software there is for the mac. It all depends on you ability (aka. your experience), your willingness to sit down with a manual (or not), and your need. If you are a graphic pro who is going to devote just about all their time to 3d, you would go with a high end 3d package such as Electric Image, Lightwave, or Maya.
If you are new to the third dimension and its pains and gains, then you might want to step away from those guys and stick with something powerful but with a learining curve a lot less steep. In this case you would go with Strata, or Pixel Studio (i think thats what its called). Keep in mind that the last 3 option cost about 1/4 what the other cost so you can, dare i say, "afford" to train with these programs. Oh and Bryce does not count as a 3D app. Its more like customizable clip hidden a pro 3d facade. Not to mention it not exactly the worlds fastest renderer.
And now you are saying, "wait a sec, I have barely worked in 3d before, and but I don't plan on doing it full time but I need the power offered by the big guys. Well standing between the high end and the introductory is Cinema 4D XL. To tell you the truth, the only reason I don't list this as a high end program is because of is "low" price. For under 2 grand (don't remember specifically) you get a powerful modeling suite, as well as Body Paint, a 3d mapping and painting program. I have used all of the programs listed here with the exception of Electric Image, at one time or another, and to tell you the true i think that Cinema is the most capable for the buck.
One other thing to consider, is the the interface of Cinema 4D is very similar to that of Maya. Not exact but similar. But hey, try them out! Most of the companies have demo software for download, even Maya (its a free version actually that is non comercial, the learing version if you will; not sure when its available for download). I am not a maxon rep, rather just a guy that had to decide which to go with as well at one time, so give it a try.
