Quick reply while I have a sec! Ive been shooting landscapes for over a decade and honestly, I wasted so much cash early on buying gear I didnt actually need. My biggest tip for staying on budget is to avoid buying a separate filter for every lens. Buy one high-quality filter for your largest lens diameter and then get a set of step-up rings. I use a K&F Concept Nano-X Circular Polarizer and it works perfectly across all my glass this way. For that Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, you definitely want slim filters to avoid that dark vignetting in the corners at 10mm. Also, save your money on a remote shutter release for now. I just use the built-in 2-second timer on the camera to let the vibrations settle after I press the button. It works every time. For a tripod, look for something like the Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Tripod as it is light enough for hiking the Smokies but sturdy enough for those 30-second waterfall shots.

Late to the party but hope this helps! For stability, I prefer physical remotes over the app. The Canon BR-E1 Bluetooth Remote is way more reliable for long exposures and wont fail mid-shot. Regarding tripods:

• Benro Mach3 Series 2 Aluminum Tripod is rock solid in wind but heavier.
• Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB Aluminum Tripod is flexible but has more moving parts. Honestly, the Benro is safer for a 90D. It wont budge when the wind picks up.

Hey! Just found this thread and honestly you are gonna love the 90D for landscapes! Since you're heading to the Smokies, you definitely need a solid ND filter for those waterfalls. A polarizer is great but wont give you long enough exposures in daylight. I use the Hoya PROND1000 10-stop ND Filter and the quality is amazing, super neutral colors which is huge for that 32.5MP sensor. For the tripod, you want something that wont tip over if a breeze kicks up. I really trust the Manfrotto 190go! Aluminum 4-Section Tripod for stability. Its a fantastic balance between weight and being sturdy enough that your gear is safe. @Reply #3 - good point! about using the built-in timer, it totally works for 2-second delays. But if you're doing exposures over 30 seconds in bulb mode, the app can be a total nightmare with connection drops. I always bring a JJC LCD Timer Remote Control because it stays plugged in and just works every single time without needing a phone signal. Reliability is everything when you've hiked miles to a spot!

> Remote shutter releases or if the Canon Connect app is reliable enough for long exposures. Like someone mentioned, gear can get real pricey real fast. In my experience, you dont actually need to drop cash on a remote shutter release right away. I’ve tried many over the years and tbh they mostly just take up space. Your 90D has a built-in 2-second self-timer and an intervalometer... just use the timer. Hit the shutter, wait two seconds for the vibration to die down, and boom. Sharp photo. Costs zero dollars. Save that money for the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM because that lens is a total steal for landscapes. If you need a tripod that wont break your back or your wallet while hiking the Smokies, check out the Neewer Carbon Fiber 66 inch Tripod. Its surprisingly stable for a budget carbon fiber legs. For filters, if youre worried about vignetting on the wide end, just make sure you get a slim frame. Something like the Hoya 67mm NXT Plus CIR-PL works great. Honestly, you can skip the ND filters for now and just shoot at sunrise or sunset when the light is low enough for long exposures anyway. Just get out there and start shooting...