old poet

I'm looking for an affordable off camera speedlight for macro use with my D500 and Nikkor 105 macro lens. If I'm not going with an expensive Nikon speedlight. Any better suggestions would be appreciated.
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Speedlite-Wireless-Control-Diffuser/dp/B079NYYJCY/ref=pd_lpo_421_t_2/133-0366658-7171251?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B079NYYJCY&pd_rd_r=b31d0d97-a411-4cd0-ab80-a7d766cddcc0&pd_rd_w=FeHqh&pd_rd_wg=TimA1&pf_rd_p=16b28406-aa34-451d-8a2e-b3930ada000c&pf_rd_r=60F0NT6Y88RF7N407DT2&psc=1&refRID=60F0NT6Y88RF7N407DT2#customerReview

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Is that one compatible with a D500?

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

Not exactly off camera; it has good reviews at B&H for macro use.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/750878-REG/bolt_vm_160_led_macro_ring.html

pahtspix

Check out the Yongnuo radio slave system specifically for Nikon. VERY economical.., and available at B&H and Amazon! I'd call B&H and speak with an expert in the flash department. I personally own several Youngnuo devices and have had no issues in using them with my own D500 and an older Nikon 105mm AFD MICRO.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Look at Godox or Flashpoint (Adorama’s label for the same thing) They have the most extensive line of lighting of anyone, from on-camera to monolights to video lighting, almost all with radio remote control. Innovative and well built. I have. 5 of their lights. I also have Nikon’s top of the line SB-5000 but now only use it as a backup to my V1 (Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R2), which cost me less than half of the Nikon.
See more here: https://www.adorama.com/l/Photography/Lighting-and-Studio/Flashes-and-On-hyphen-Camera-Lightning

This one is similar to the Neewer, but has a real radio remote receiver to use it off-camera. You would have to buy the transmitter. but it makes using it off camera sooo much easier. The remote sold with the Neewer is to trigger the camera, not control the flash.

This one is less expensive and lower power, but with macro work, you'll be using it close so you don't typically need a powerful flash.

There are FB groups (Godox User Group is one) dedicated to the brand as well, so lots of support from users.

The ringlight was invented to shoot intra-oral photographs (inside the mouth). Its axial lighting gives very flat results compared what you could do with an off-camera flash.

tcthome Loc: NJ

bela1950 Loc: Massachusetts

I also have a Nikon D500.
I use a Godox TT600 manual flash ($65 at Amazon) and also needed a Godox X1TN wireless flash trigger for off camera flash($45 at Amazon).It has worked well for me. I also shoot Macro. I prefer a manual flash over the TTL flash. If you prefer a TTL flash Godox is a reliable brand with many choices at reasonable prices.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Good point- when doing off-camera work, I never use TTL!

KLambar Loc: New Jersey

I have the D500 and have the Godox TT685N along with Godox X2T (wireless trigger).

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

It looks like you would also need a remote trigger to use that off camera, (the included remote is just a camera remote, not a trigger). For macro I’d look into a ring light or BBC a system that mounts two small flashes on flexible necks, on either side of the lens.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

What subjects will you be shooting?

Juy Loc: Delaware

I just picked up a Good tt685 with a commanded wireless trigger. So far works great and a whole lot. Cheaper than Nikon. I mount the flash in a 28" softbox and trigger remotely using the ProX commander mounted on camera hotshot. Works very well. You could go cheaper with a smaller or used flash and purchase the godox wireless TX and RX units that are like 45.00 for the pair this would allow remote trigger

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Speedlights are the 'goto' standard for macro photography for they provide a way to freeze motion which provides more successful shots. Because the working distance is ever so close to the end of the lens in macro work it is necessary to move the flash closer to the subject to avoid blocking the subject with the lens or casting a shadow from the lens onto the subject.

There is a difference in the technology of an LED flash such as that often used in a ring flash and a "tube" flash such as that used in a speedlight and that difference is that an LED flash varies the intensity of the light when adjusted up and down where a tube flash speedlight varies the duration of the flash which is a HUGE difference and is represented in the difference in prices as well.

The physical law of light is that the intensity varies with the square of the distance. Dimming an LED added to the distance between it and the subject has a large impact. Changing the duration of the flash while the intensity remains the same is far different which is superior when used with higher shutter speeds to freeze movement.

Diffusion of light becomes the art as well as the science when the flash is placed close to the subject and the subject is placed close to the end of the lens also. Imagine putting the studio flash within inches of the model for her portrait which would not be desirable.

kmielen Loc: Eastern NC

I have an extra Andoer AD560IV, GN50 that I am not using. Used it just once for some product photography before deciding to use continuous LED lights instead. All original packaging and includes Speedlite, Trigger, Protecting bag, Mini stand, Diffuser, Pack of Color Gels (20pcs), User manual.
You can see it here... https://www.ebay.com/itm/114577043035
$55 including shipping for Hoggers.

old poet

This sounds great. I appreciate all of the suggestions.