Thom Hogan's D7200 Guide is excellent. Steve Perry's website has a lot of Nikon camera tips. Both of these gentlemen are photographers that write in a language that photographers understand. I have the D7200, D500 and D850 and all three have similar menus and controls. Info an any of them is helpful.
Several years ago a wildflower photographer friend showed me a rig he was using. It was a automobile radio antenna with a pipe cleaner. It collapses and is easy to carry. I made one and am still using it. You can make a smaller one from a collapsible pointer.
There are several companies making adapters. See what adapters are available for your camera. You may be able to get interesting lens even if the will only manually focus.
I also use the Tokina 100 mm and the Nikon 200 mm but they do not have VR. For a light package I use the Nikon DX 40mm, DX 85mm VR and the Nikon 60mm VR macro lenses.
For the D500 the Nikon DX 85mm VR macro would be a good choice to start with
If they have your brand of camera or lens in the store use one of them to check it out. You could also carry your camera with you to check out the lens. Having a photo of your lens mount with you or on your cell phone would help too.
I use both. For flying birds or fast moving animals the D850 is my choice. For other subjects from macro to landscapes both are excellent. I use the Z 7 when I want a lighter and quieter camera.