After That Pathetic Excuse of an AMA Yesterday... · 11:01am Nov 16th, 2017
...I have made my decision.
No more consoles. No more new games. No more upgrading my PC.
I'm going to play what games and platforms I've got and run them into the ground, while I save up for some very significant purchases to upgrade my photography kit.
After that, once I have everything an amateur nature photographer needs, I'll take a look at the indie game scene, especially on the sci-fi side of things. Because over the past four years, I have given up on Mass Effect, I have given up on Halo, I'm a hair away from giving up on Titanfall, and as much as it pains me to say it, I have given up on Star Wars, the franchise I've played more games of than anything else, for twenty years.
At this point I believe AAA gaming is set on its path. Big publishers have spent tens of thousands of man-hours researching and focus-testing, and concluding that microtransactions are the future of larger profits. They must be right because they've just become more and more prominent over time. I believe they have a home in mobile and F2P games, but now that they have invaded fully-priced games in a non-cosmetic fashion, the time has come for my exit, because I absolutely refuse to be treated that way as a consumer after shelling out $60-80.
It's been fun, but writing and photography beckon.
Well at least your followers will like that you are continuing writing. All thr best to you.
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Well as it stands I'm beginning to run low on ideas. A couple more chapters of Glimmer of the Past, a few short scene extensions to A Place Among Her Kind, and if I ever get around to it, one final oneshot for Mistress Do Well.
There may still be hope left https://www.pcgamesn.com/star-wars-battlefront-2/battlefront-2-loot-box-gambling-belgium-gaming-commission
Well if you have any gear questions, I’ll be happy to answer what I can.
My kit is:
Nikon D850
14-24mm f/2.8
24-70mm f/2.8
70-200mm f/2.8
105mm f/2.8 macro
85mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.8
200-500mm f/5.6
500mm f/8 reflex
Plus about $1000 in lighting gear.
$1000 in tripods and bags
Freaking gear aquisition syndrome.
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Last I checked I'm not Belgian. I wish them the absolute best of luck, but I doubt it will have an effect over here in the States. I know much of Europe have refund laws that are unheard of over here, unfortunately.
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I have a Nikon D3300, with a 18-55mm, a 55-200mm, and a 40mm micro lens. Next on my list is a serious backpack, and a 200-500mm.
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The 200-500 is sexy as hell. I’d also consider replacing the 55-200 with the 70-300 IF ED VR that runs $400 or so refurbished or $600 new. Best sub $1000 telephoto Nikon makes IMO. The only reason I sold mine is because I got a D850.
Remember the crop factor as well. It’s a 105-450mm equivalent. It would only be 70-300 on a full frame.
A lot smaller and lighter than the 200-500.
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$600? Amazon is giving me $746.
Regardless, added it to my wish list. Thanks!
Oh the joys of multiplayer and company greed/incompetence...
Enjoy whatever hobby you prefer.
That said, I am gonna continue gaming. When I get my tax return next year, I will fix up my car and any left over will go to getting a Switch along with LoZ:BotW and Mario Odyssey.
Also very much looking forward to Far Cry 5.... cause while it might be an Ubisoft game, at least it won’t have micro transactions that are predatory.
Sounds like a good way to go about things. Photography is gonna be fun as hell, even if it is an expensive hobby via equipment.
In terms of stories, please don't forget about Disgruntled Twilight!
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Despite only having two games for it so far, the Switch has been a hell of a lot of fun. BotW is awesome, and I still haven't even finished (and got spoiler-spammed with art over on DeviantArt following Zelda groups—oh well). Gonna wait until X-mas for Odyssey, and MarioKart is certainly interesting.
Have fun with that sweet photography gear! Maybe show us some of your nice pics every once in awhile, ja?
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There is an AF-S version (the one you want) and AF-P that you don’t. The AF-P are for the newest cameras only because of how they work.
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Yeah, I think you and I are gonna do a lot of talking, lol. Made the change.
I'm more impressed than anything with EA making a comment over 20 times more disliked than the second most disliked comment. Blew my mind, frankly.
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No worries, I haven't forgotten about Letters!
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Why not complete your final cupcake chronicle story?
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Feel free to message me :) Btw Nikon is likely doing a Black Friday refurb sale next week ish. Usually 10-30% off on refurb lenses.
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How do they compare to new?
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They’re usually open box returns that they re-QC at the factory.
Other than the 85mm, 200-500, and 14-24mm, all of my lenses are refurbs. Plus another 10 or so I’ve had over the last decade.
30 day warranty, so inspect it good and run it a bit, but 100% for me so far. Worst I’ve had is a scratched lens cap with the 24-70mm but meh. If it functions 100%, I’m not going to care about a $5 cap.
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Best advice I can give you is to learn manual settings inside and out. The more you get away from auto exposure stuff (not saying you are) the better photos you’ll take. A book called Understanding Exposure 4th Edition ($15 or so on Amazon) is a great reference btw.
I’ve gone from a D3200 and no digital experience to a D5300, D7200, and now D850 because I outgrew each of them. My early photos were horrific to say the least.
Practice makes perfect. I’m here now:
I still have a long way to be what I consider ‘good’ but practice makes perfect.
pre00.deviantart.net/d0e4/th/pre/f/2017/271/1/f/untitled_by_aknorthpolar-dbosw2q.jpg
You're at the the point I was last year...Done with gaming and having a much better time with my new hooby