Just saw this thread and wanted to jump in because I have been in your shoes before. Like someone mentioned, that weight capacity is basically the most important spec you need to look at. I remember taking my first full-frame out to a windy ridge and watching the whole thing vibrate like crazy because the legs were too thin. It was terrifying... honestly thought the wind would just take the whole rig off the cliff because the center of gravity was so high. For a 6D Mark II, you are looking at a body that is roughly 1.7 lbs, plus whatever lens you have. If you throw a decent zoom on there, you're hitting nearly 4 lbs. You might want to consider a tripod rated for at least 15 lbs to account for the leverage when you tilt it, especially for those landscape shots at the Canyon.

• Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Tripod
• This is a great balance of weight and stability for around a hundred bucks.
• Canon BR-E1 Wireless Remote Control
• This uses Bluetooth so you dont have to point it directly at the front of the camera.
• Hang your camera bag from the center hook of the tripod. It adds mass and helps stop the wind from shaking your long exposures, tho. Just be careful with the cheaper travel models you see on Amazon. They often trade stability for being lightweight, which is kinda a recipe for disaster with a heavy Canon body. Stick to names like Manfrotto or Vanguard if you can. Better to spend a bit more now than pay for a sensor repair later, ngl.

Agree about checking that weight capacity. I tried a Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit last summer but unfortunately it just kept drooping. It wasnt as good as expected for a heavy camera like the 6D. Eventually I got the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod which is way better for landscapes. Also had issues with the bluetooth remotes, so I use the Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Control now.

Totally agree! A remote is fantastic for family shots. Just methodically check the tripod weight capacity first, as full-frame bodies require much sturdier support than basic phone mounts.

Honestly I had a similar panic when I first felt the weight of a full-frame body compared to my phone. I started out with a really flimsy set of legs I found in my basement and the camera started sagging immediately. It was pretty nerve-wracking to watch the lens slowly tilt toward the ground while I was trying to frame a shot. I learned the hard way that the weight ratings on the box are often a bit optimistic... you really want something rated for much more than what your gear actually weighs. I found some great info that helped me understand the technical side of things:

• The Center Column is a great resource for seeing actual data on tripod stiffness.
• YouTube channels like Christopher Frost are awesome for seeing how EF lenses balance on different setups.
• Checking the gear lists on sites like Shotkit can show you what pros actually use for landscapes. I finally settled on a sturdy aluminum setup and a simple cable release. I am really satisfied with how it performs now because it doesnt budge even in the wind. Getting that stability fixed my blurry photo issue completely.