uhaas2009

For OCF you need a trigger with the flash I would go with flashpoint (Godox) Adorama warranty. I believe the 500 don’t have a built in flash what normally can be use as trigger.

JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

As I recall the D500 does not have a built in flash so I would be remiss if I did not mention the SB400. It is one of the smallest and most simple flashes ever made by Nikon; but, also one of the most versatile. They are only available used on eBay for about $125; I like mine so much I have two, one with my primary camera (D610) and one with my backup (D7100). This is not a big fancy flash as it only has an on/off switch and is controlled by the in camera functions; however, I find myself using mine better than half the time. It is about twice as powerful as the average on camera flash and due to its small size it is unobtrusive when you are in a crowded situation plus you can easily carry one in your pocket.
Again it is simple, small, and powerful enough for those personal situations where you are not looking to light up the world. Look at Ken Rockwell's review (https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb400.htm#card).
For larger situations I have a SB600 I picked up used off eBay and a couple Nissins that I have found to be excellent (at a lower cost).

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Les Brown the Shanny SN600SN is at your desired price point...
Here is one for $129 https://www.camera-gear.com/product/shanny-sn600sn
Specs from Shanny's Web Site: http://www.szshanny.com/en/products-36.html

The Shanny SN600SN is a SB-910 high end clone that is equal in power and has a robust build quality which most reviewers consider far better than the very popular Yongnuo YN-560IV.

btw, I actually have 5 of these... I use four in combo on quad mount in HSS to good effect in bright day light. The 5th unit is used by my second shooter and she loves it!

I deploy these Shanny flashes with Phottix Odin radio triggers albeit they work equally well with Nikon optical triggering.

Bottom Line? the Shanny SN600SN are best speedlight solution I've found short of my Nikon SB910... If you know how to use an SB910 they are rather straightforward to deploy.

That said if you have little experience with speedlights then I would recommend the Nikon SB700 (look for a refurb) in the ~ $250 range. What the SB700 lacks in power it makes up in simplicity of use... I still carry an SB700 in my kit bag even if I'm not planning on using on or off camera flash. It's small, light weight and gets the job done.

Hope this helps Les Brown or is at least food for thought.
All the best on your photographic journey...
And have an epic (and safe) New Year ahead!

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Lack of reach is the price you’ll likely pay to go cheap.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

Godox is a great choice. Look at the 685N (N for Nikon). It fits your budget. I have the Fuji version and it’s amazing, especially at that price.

pahtspix

Yongnuo YN 968nII around 150 USD..Also works as a 2.4 ghz radio transmitter as a master or a slave ..Available from B&H and Amazon!!

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

For three years, I have had great luck with Yongnuo. Manual: YN 560 III and IV are good choices. But the YN 660 ($75 on Amazon and Ali express) would be my pick. About the same price. Lots of great features, plus more output than the Nikon SB5000. Have used them on about 20 shoots and totally pleased. Pick up a YN 560 TX II wireless trigger ($42 Amazon) to run the YN 660 from you D500...$125-$130 total. I also have the YN968 N II. HSS and i TTL with Nikons (on camera). Excellent flash.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I purchased a Godox (685 I think) to use with my Olympus EM1 MK II. For about $120 it is an amazing unit.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I'm very happy with my used Nikon SB-26 speed light. I use it in manual mode. You can get one on ebay for about $50-$60.

old poet

Wow, lot of food for thought. Thanks all!

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

You're lucky. The SB-800 is the most powerful speedlight that Nikon has yet manufactured, although the menu system is more "funky" than the later flashes (900, 500, 5000, etc.).

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Les, you might check for used ones. You might be able to find a used Nikon unit for about the price you want to pay, or a bit more.
--Bob

DJBAD

I use a Godox TT685N TTL ($110 on Amazon) and it's a great light. Throw in a Godox X2T-N ($59 on Amazon) and it's a great OCF system to get you going. I love mine.

Flash: https://www.amazon.com/Godox-TT685N-Compatible-Cameras-Autoflash/dp/B013HZ2AVG/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Godox+TT685N+TTL&qid=1609444644&sr=8-3

Controller: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Trigger-Transmitter-Function-Firmware/dp/B07S7VZ1ZV/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=Godox+2xt-n&qid=1609444882&sr=8-10

Paul LaFontaine

Check out the Newer. I'm very happy with its performance on my 7200.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

You can get a Nikon SB800 for less than $100 on eBay. Or you can get a Yongnuo or Godex for a bit less, but make sure that you get one for Nikon as they make them for all cameras as well as manual flashes. All are good. The 800 does great TTL, even off-camera. I think that the 800 might be your best buy.