Need recommendation for 3d software for type

[mashinhead]

I'm not a modeler or animator so spending a bunch of money on something like cinema 4d is overkill for me. And the 3d options in illustrator are pretty low quality. So I'm lookin for suggestions on cheap third party alternatives or freeware that will give me quality results. All i'm looking to use it for is extruding lighting and shading type really.

 

[Cromulent]

Blender.