The revised tree picture is better with more contrast, but the POV is wrong. You would have a better picture without the table drawing your eye to it. Zoom out, or step back, pan up and have the tree as your main focus, getting just a little sky and more width of the tree in the shot. Try shooting at a more wide open aperature and longer shutter to get less of the background in focus (bokeh). The same shot taken about 10 feet to the left getting an angle that does not include the table and framing the tree as the entire subject would be more dramatic.

Because of the framing and bokeh, the feather and the swing shots have more impact.

See my answer earlier

If fact, the Nikon Sb-16 was specifically made for the F3 as a ttl and it attached to the camera body with a slide that fit on rails just outboard of the film cassette rewinder knob, and it locked into place with a twist ring with contacts between the flash and the camera at the front of the knob. The F3 didn't have a pentaprism hot shoe.

The SB-16 and F3 worked well together and I got many great shots perfectly exposed with them.

No I want something that is fully functional for most all shooting types.

The old Nikon speedlight I have for my Nikon F3 will not fit the D850 hot shoe. So don't be snarky Rongnongno.

Despite the incrediable ability of the D850 to work in low light situations, I want to get a flash unit. I would prefer to get something less expensive than the Nikon Sb-5000 or the Metz mecablitz 64 AF-1, which I'm sure are fine units. But do I need to spend that much, and if so, why? Can I get much of the same functionality from any less expensive flashes? Anyone have any experience with using the D850 with any of these: the Yougnuo vn968n, the Neewer Pro i-ttl, the Altura AP-N1001 (an Amazon choice) or the Godox V860II-N?

I'm not planning to use the flash in a studio, but in the real world, including fill light situations. I've read some good things about the Godox, but not any others. Not only am I interested in function, but also how the exposure and color rendition are affected by the flash.

Hollis--
We're going on a Baltic cruise this summer and I bought the D850 and the 24-120 mm lens because I wanted a full frame sensor with a good single lens to walk around. I've been very pleased with the photos that this combo produces. For now, the 24-120 is the only FX lens I have (I've got some non auto focus primes and zooms from my days as a Nikon F3 film user that can be used on the new dslr as they have the auto index ring so the D850 can know the lens aperture), and the 24-120 is the only lens I plan to take on the trip. I ruled out buying the 24-70mm based on cost, large size and weight.

Just curious, what camera body is the new lens for?

Welcome, you will enjoy hanging around here.

btw, not a huge difference with the 24-85 f3.5-4.5 as far as speed is concerned, but the extra 35 mm of telephoto capability is why the 24-120 is twice the price of the smaller lens. B&H has a refurbished 24-120mm for $599, vs $339 for a refurbished 24-85 f3.5-4.5. I don't have any data on the 24-85 f2.8-4.0 lens, but it is probably an older product lacking VR.

go for the extra reach from the 24-120. It has VR and is a great walk-around lens for travel, weight and length is a lot less than the 24-70mm VR, at half the cost. The constant f4 throughout the focal range is a plus as well over the 24-85mm.

which, the 24-120?

Congrats on getting this great camera and lens. What was the other lens?

I've had my D850 for a month now and I am still saying "wow" and still learning. One recommendation, buy this strap: https://www.peakdesign.com/product/straps/slide. I use it with my body and my 24-120. The weight is supported at my shoulders and the camera sits at my hip, but I can swing it to my eye in a second, and I can carry it all day without any worries. Besides, no D850 logo on the strap saying "steal me."

Walking around the CBG looking onto the Japanese islands:
Hard to believe this was in winter!

Janet, first of all, welcome. Any entry level dDSL will work in your budget. Don't worry about Canon vs Nikon, just pick which seems more comfortable for you to hold.

Right now, Costco is selling just what you need for either company and they have them on display so you can hold them:
https://www.costco.com/Nikon-D3400-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100313565.html. Price $599
https://www.costco.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T6-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100288979.html Price $549

Great way to get started with a digital single lens reflex camera. On the other hand, I could make a convincing case for you to buy a better camera either well cared for (with a relatively low shutter count) or factory Refurbished. I could make a strong argument for that choice if you were interested.

I like the peak design sling strap. It can be used as a typical neck strap hanging straight down and bouncing on your chest, or much better as a cross shoulder strap, with the camera down at your hip. In that configuration, it slides effortlessly up to your eye to take a picture, and you can comfortably carry a heavy camera/lens all day. Plus, since it doesn't announce to the world what model camera you are carrying, it is less inviting to thieves.
https://www.peakdesign.com/product/straps/slide

It comes with an anchor plate that can fit most tripods, and quick connect attachments make it easy to switch from hip carry to front carry to wrist strap (if used with peak design's wrist strap), making it super versatile. Very comfortable well made product!