General VRAY usability question

[skogzort]

I understand that VRAY is very fast at rendering caustics, like a close-up of a glass with liquid in it, and perhaps this is what is was created for - but I don’t see a lot of every-day need for this kind of thing in production environments (games, architecture, etc.) So I am much more interested in VRAY’s speed with regard to things like Radiosity, subtle color bleed, inter reflectivity of diffuse surfaces and Area Shadows.

Is VRAY fast/good for this kind of thing as well? How does it compare in terms of speed to Max Scanline GI Solutions for things not involving caustics?

What are some other things that make VRAY a good tool other then it’s ability to quickly render caustics? I guess another way to ask this would be: Why would you use VRAY instead of Max Built in GI solutions of Radiosity or Light Tracer?

I’m fairly new to rendering technology so any info (general or specific) is much appreciated

Thank you

[percydaman]

there aren't many GI solutions that are WORSE then Max's own lighttracer. Vray is the fastest. Its probably the most flexible, and for arch vis, cant be beat period. I would say its not the best artistically, only because brazil and finalrender have better material implementations.