Late to the party but I went through this last year! And like reply #1 said, that 32.5MP sensor on the 90D is a total beast but it's sooo picky about stability and glass quality. > I’m specifically looking for recommendations on a sturdy but lightweight tripod for hiking, and a reliable set of ND filters So yeah, I totally get the struggle. When I first started hiking with my 90D, I realized fast that my old gear just wasn't cutting it for those super sharp vistas. I basically did a bunch of side-by-side testing to see what actually worked for my kit. For the wide-angle, I was torn between the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM and the Tokina atx-i 11-20mm f/2.8 CF. The Canon is literally feather-light and great for long treks, but the Tokina is a total tank... and that f/2.8 is amazing if you ever wanna try milky way shots too. TBH, the Tokina feels way more solid, but the Canon is such a budget-friendly way to get that 10mm reach. For the tripod, I compared the Benro Mach3 2 Series Carbon Fiber Tripod TMA28C against the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber. The Peak Design is cool cuz it's tiny, but highkey, the Benro felt way more stable in the wind, which you seriously need for that high pixel density. Then for filters, I looked at the Haida M10 Enthusiast Filter Kit II vs the Lee Filters 100mm Foundation Kit. The Haida system was a total game changer for me because of the drop-in slot... it makes swapping NDs for waterfalls sooo much faster when you're losing light. Plus, I didn't notice any weird color casts. It was a journey finding what worked, but it was worth it!! peace

Quick question - do you prefer zooms or primes? I'm asking cuz the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is only $300, which leaves plenty for your filters!

Building on the earlier suggestion about the 90D being picky with gear, I totally agree. That sensor density is no joke... if your lens or tripod is even slightly subpar, you'll definitely see it in your shots. If you find the 10-18mm mentioned earlier a bit too plastic-y, I've had great luck with the Tokina ATX-i 11-16mm f/2.8 CF Canon EF. It feels way more substantial and the sharpness is incredible for a crop lens. It might eat a chunk of your budget, but its worth it for the image quality alone. To keep the rest of the kit under budget, maybe look at the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB Aluminum Travel Tripod. Its light enough for long treks but still feels beefy enough to hold a 90D steady in the wind. For the waterfalls, instead of a full square system which gets pricey fast, the Hoya PROND Filter Kit is a fantastic alternative. Hoya glass is super neutral, so you wont spend hours fixing weird color shifts in Lightroom later. Tbh, its probably the best way to treat that 32.5MP sensor without breaking the bank.

ok so, basically for landscape work on a 90D, you gotta be careful with stability because that 32.5MP sensor is literally sooo sensitive to even the tiniest vibrations. I mean, if your tripod shakes even a little bit, youre gonna lose all that extra detail you upgraded for... so its actually really important to get gear that wont fail you in the field. For your situation, i think keeping things simple and reliable is the way to go, especially since you dont want to risk that nice body on a flimsy setup. For the lens, you highkey need the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM. Its super light for hiking and honestly surprisingly sharp for the price. It covers that wide-angle gap perfectly on a crop sensor. Since youre hiking, i guess the Vanguard VEO 3GO 235AB Aluminum Tripod is a decent option. It is light but sturdy enough if you dont extend the center column too much (safety first!!). It fits the budget well. To nail those waterfalls, maybe try the K&F Concept 67mm Fixed ND1000 Filter. Fixed filters are usually safer than variables because they dont get that weird 'X' pattern as much. Just make sure it fits your lens thread size! Honestly, this setup should keep you right around that 500 dollar mark. Anyway, thats just my two cents as someone still learning the ropes, but it works for me. gl! 👍

Yeah, absolutely, the discussion around stability and optical fidelity for the 90D's sensor is spot on, you know? It's a fantastic body, but that resolution really exposes any weaknesses upstream in your gear chain. When you're looking at the market for those critical accessories like tripods and ND filters, especially with a budget like that, it's basically a minefield if you're not careful, right? You want to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine all that sensor capability: * **Tripod Material & Machining:** Cheaper options often have looser tolerances in their leg locks or column mechanisms, leading to micro-vibrations even if they feel sturdy initially. Aluminum alloys can vary wildly in stiffness-to-weight ratios, and carbon fiber weaves aren't all equal in their dampening characteristics. Don't just look at weight capacity; consider the actual design and material integrity for sustained stability.
* **ND Filter Optical Performance:** This is huge. Many budget NDs introduce noticeable color casts, which is a pain to correct in post, or worse, they can degrade sharpness and introduce flare due to sub-par glass or coatings. You're effectively losing the benefit of your 32.5MP sensor if the filter isn't optically neutral and perfectly flat. Look for brands with a known reputation for optical flatness and consistent density across the filter area, you know, it makes all the difference. It's all about understanding where certain brands might cut corners to hit a price point and if those compromises are acceptable for *your* specific requirements. Don't get caught up in marketing speak; research third-party tests for actual performance, not just advertised specs.

Just catching up on this thread and there is some solid advice here. Like someone mentioned, that 32.5MP sensor is a double-edged sword... it gives amazing detail but shows every bit of motion blur if you arent careful. Quick question tho, what kind of terrain are you usually hitting? If you're doing serious elevation, every ounce matters, but for local forest trails, I'd always lean toward something beefier over something light and spindly. In my experience, you dont need to spend $800 to get sharp shots. I've been using the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod for years. It's a bit heavy but super stable, and the multi-angle center column is a lifesaver for getting low to the ground for foreground interest. If you're on a budget, look for a used Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM for like $200—it's plasticky but the optics are surprisingly sharp for the price. To save some cash for the lens, maybe grab a Marumi DHG Super Circular PL 67mm polarizer first? It's often more useful for waterfalls than a heavy ND filter because it cuts glare on the wet rocks and leaves too. Tbh, a solid DIY hack is just to carry a small sandbag or hook your backpack to the tripod center column to keep it from budging in the wind.