I don't know if it's just me, but I consider Capital more of an economic text than a philosophical one. That's Marx in political economist mode. And from what (albeit little) I've read of Nozick I much prefer Marx and continental philosophy as a whole (though I'm just beginning).
The Manifesto draws varying opinions even within Communist circles; arguably Engels' "The Principles of Communism" is a more gentle text.
This is definitely a common thought, and has long been considered the proper way to read Marx. You should check out Marx's Inferno for an interesting—and, I've long thought, more accurate—take otherwise.
The Manifesto draws varying opinions even within Communist circles; arguably Engels' "The Principles of Communism" is a more gentle text.