TGTEIFO . . . Ditto . . . Thank You . . .
How do you save the settings to a card? (D500) . . .
I picked up my Tamron 18-400 Saturday at my local camera shop. So far, I've only taken a few backyard/neighborhood shots with it, but have been very pleased so far when reviewing them in camera. I'll know more after a take more shots and transfer them into the computer. Your shots look very nice to me . . . I expecially like the bridge . . .
I replaced my kit lenses (same as yours) with a Tamron 18-270 because it gave me the same wide angle view and added a little to the Tele . . . It gives me a lot of leeway with composition and framing without having to change lenses. It spends more time on my camera than any other lens I own. A fast prime like the 85mm will give you more low light capability and a little better IQ, but you'll have to move around a lot more to get the framing/composition you are seeking . . .
I'm waaay out of the viewing zone . . . So I'll enjoy the Eclipse by watching on TV, and by looking at photos afterwards taken by UHH'rs . . .
Google "long exposure photography" and you'll find lots of "how to" articles . . . Read some of these and use that as a starting point. Then go out and experiment . . . You'll find out what works for the kind of image you want to create.
https://backcountrygallery.com is a good place to start for information on wildlife photography and BIF . . . He also has an excellent e-book available . . .
Best advise is: Get both books by Steve Perry . . . "Wildlife Photography" and "Secrets of the Nikon Auto Focus" . . . Both books are outstanding !!! He also has great articles, information and reviews on his website . . .
The D5500 DOES have a touch screen . . . There is so much talk in this thread about the lack of a touch screen . . . IT'S TOTALLY INACCURATE . . . The D5500 does have a touch screen!!! Now as to the original question, many folks feel that the D5500 is actually the better of the two, and I agree. There are numerous articles and u-tube clips that compare the two cameras. The D5500 is a fine camera, but if you really want the best DX camera on the market . . . Save some more money and go with the D500 . . . You will not be disappointed . . . (BTW , I own both) . . .
I would also look at the middle range and high end cameras from both makers when making my decision because generally once you pick a maker, you tend to stay with them if upgrading in the future . . .
I had the kit 18-55 and 55-200 . . . I got a Tamron 18-270 to replace them both and have been very happy with it. It stays on my camera about 95% of the time. I have 2 bodies (D5500 and D500) . . . As soon as I save enough $, I'll probably get the new Tamron 18-400 . . .
I have one and like it . . . It's not as small as you might think and I doubt it would fit in a tripod case . . . It's also fairly heavy . . . I changed out my sirui 10x ball head for the 30x ball head due to the weight and bulk of the side kick, especially with a 150-600 lens. However, it works well with very smooth action. Of course, the best part is you can easily remove it and use your ball head . . . Stop in at your local camera store and check it out before buying . . .
How is your camera's focus set? Sometimes the camera doesn't know exactly what you want to focus on: the Bee? the flower?, So it hunts for a focus. I set mine on single point spot focus and put the focus point right on the Bee, that way the hunting is minimal and it focuses very quickly. I also find that back button focus gives me much more control because once I set my focus and remove my finger from the button, the focus is set and not affected by any movement of the shutter button or reframing of the shot . . .
Maybe they want you to learn their acronyms and be so comfortable with them that you wouldn't consider buying another brand of camera or lens that uses different ones . . .