Which 3D software best with AfterEffects?

Before setting off on the journey to fully explore 3D, can one of the gurus please point me in the right direction? Everybody knows of the need of real 3D with After Effects, the best way to implement this is probably to use an external 3D package... but which is best? And user-friendly enough for an AE boffin to be able to learn quickly? C4D, Maya or Lightwave? Will it be posiible to point out the pro's and cons of each and the best option?

Also: In which package will it be easiest to import and export AE camera settings?

Thanks in advance
Frank