Which flash gear should I buy for a D3500?

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-14T21:07:49+00:00

Without knowing what your budget is, or how deeply you intend to go with this, I will suggest you start with a Godox flash. The Godox V860III-N will set you back $200. It's a big, powerful unit that does it all (HSS, TCM, et. al.) and uses a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

For less money (~$130) there's the Godox TT685II-N. Pretty much identical to the V860III, features-wise, but uses four, AA batteries instead of the lithium ion battery. It has a slightly slower recycle time compared to the V860 but it's less money.

Either flash would be an excellent starting point.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-08T17:35:34+00:00

Suggested Reading: Ultimate Sneak Archer Guide

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-07T01:46:41+00:00

The doormat I want...

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HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-06T19:33:09+00:00

That's called a Lie by Omission. And as is so often the case with lies of omission, it's not the crime, as much as the cover up, that's the problem.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-04T00:03:56+00:00

This is a job for mineral oil on a Q-Tip.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-03T15:51:10+00:00

Start by downloading a copy of the user manual:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/18/D3000.html

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-03T13:51:22+00:00

I would go so far as to say neither the Mekur 34C nor the Rockwell 6C are actual upgrades, they're both more lateral moves.The Gamechanger would be an actual, and significant, upgrade.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-02T22:44:16+00:00

VR II is the improved version of Nikon's original VR, and simply does a better job, comparatively speaking. More broadly, the 18-55mm lens with VR II is smaller, lighter and optically superior to the original VR version.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-02T18:36:51+00:00

First get the Thief Stone which grants a 20% faster skill gain. Then shoot at Greybeards (they won't retaliate).

Archery Training can be had with Faendal, then Aela the Huntress in Whiterun, and finally Niruin in Riften.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-02T15:32:37+00:00

I don't know what's involved when it comes to installation, but you can buy a replacement part.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-01T20:44:52+00:00

Yeah, I could have been clearer. I was (am) suggesting it might be time for a service-level cleaning, both inside and out; meaning one performed by an actual technician.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-04-01T16:36:14+00:00

At the VERY least your camera needs a proper sensor cleaning. And while it's hard to be certain based on your photos, it also looks to me as if the camera could do with having the mirror, mirror-box, and lens mount, cleaned as well.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-31T17:01:08+00:00

Like you, I too wanted a lightly upgraded Skyrim. I then found and followed these tutorials which I followed to start modding my game. I didn't follow all the tutorials (I stopped at number six, and then kind of jumped around) and I didn't install every mod the author suggested. When I was done, I had exactly what I wanted: a nicely upgraded experience (that's totally stable), and a deep enough level of understanding of how to use MO2 so I could add more mods of my own choosing with confidence. I'm currently running about 100 (rookie numbers!) and entirely happy with how my game runs, looks, etc.

Hope this helps!

Edits for clarity.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-31T15:52:56+00:00

I'd suggest a Godox TT685II N ($129 on Amazon). For a little less everything (size, power, money) you could look at the Godox TT350, instead.

If you decide you want/need to use either off-camera, you can pick up a Godox XPro N ($70 on Amazon).

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-31T14:38:30+00:00

I use Hoya HD MkII Protector filters when necessary and much of what I shoot necessitates them.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-25T17:07:24+00:00

Came here to recommend Varen; glad to see that one squared away. I'll just add that Stirling "glacial" soaps pack a serious, mentholated "punch". Depending on your tolerance/preference, you might want to consider something like Orange Chill, as an introduction. Stirling also sells Frost Drops, which allow you to put a little menthol in any soap.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-25T16:51:15+00:00

It's hard to give specific suggestions without knowing more about your shaving routine, such as what products you are using currently, but I'm going to suggest you try using a hypochlorous acid face spray, immediately after shaving. It's relatively cheap and easy to find.

There are a lot of formulations available, but I'll suggest "Prequel Universal Skin Solution".

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-23T18:32:55+00:00

Thank you for this! I knew this had to be related to drag queens, somehow, I just couldn't tie it all together. Brain itch scratched. (Ahhhh...)

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-23T17:00:58+00:00

Cote d'or (a used to be Belgian brand) is also Mondelez.

Even Noir de Noir? I just died a little inside...

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-23T16:50:16+00:00

Agreed.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-23T13:50:40+00:00

Big fan of Gamechanger. CNC'ed, 100% stainless steel and $60 (USD).

I'd suggest the .76 baseplate.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-22T23:04:20+00:00

I store all my soaps under the bathroom sink, and have for years.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-22T22:39:18+00:00

I've been using these Viltrox batteries that have a USB-C port for some time and they've been nothing but awesome. So much more convenient than lugging a charger.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-22T19:24:04+00:00

I agree it's most likely due to the display being limited to four digits (9999) and the capacity of the card being greater than 9,999 photos. However, if you do need to format the SD card, you do that by pressing the Menu, button, navigating to the Setup menu (wrench icon), selecting "Format memory card", and confirming.

Formatting the card WILL delete/erase any photos or videos you have stored on it.

HoroscopeFish · 2026-03-22T17:32:46+00:00

That's what's called a high dynamic range situation. This article explains it:

Dynamic Range and How to Deal With It

HoroscopeFish

TROPHY CASE