Hey everyone! I finally pulled the trigger and picked up a Canon 6D Mark II after months of debating. I’m upgrading from an older Rebel T7i, so jumping into the full-frame world feels like a huge milestone for me. I’m absolutely loving the autofocus and that beautiful vari-angle screen so far, but I’ve realized my current bag of tricks is looking a little sparse for this new setup.
I currently have the 24-105mm f/4L kit lens, but I’m looking for advice on the "quality of life" accessories that really make this specific camera shine. I want to spend my remaining budget wisely—around $350—without buying junk I'll never use.
First off, I’m curious about the power situation. The LP-E6N batteries are great, but for those of you who do long shoots or travel, do you find a battery grip is essential for the 6DII, or does it just add unnecessary bulk? I've seen some third-party grips, but I'm worried about them potentially frying the electronics. Also, I’m a bit stuck on SD cards. Since the 6DII only has one slot and it's UHS-I, is there any real-world benefit to buying the faster V60 or V90 cards for buffer clearing, or is it a total waste of money for this specific body?
Lastly, because of that articulating screen, I’m a little paranoid about keeping it safe. Do you guys recommend a specific glass screen protector that doesn't interfere with the touch sensitivity or the ability to fold the screen shut flush against the body? I’m also looking for a more comfortable strap recommendation—the one that comes in the box is a bit of a billboard and starts to dig in after an hour of carrying this heavier glass.
What are the top 3-4 accessories you think every new 6D Mark II owner should have in their bag from day one? I'd love to hear what has actually made your shooting experience better!
> I currently have the 24-105mm f/4L kit lens, but I’m looking for advice on the "quality of life" accessories that really make this specific camera shine. Yo, congrats on the upgrade! I've been shooting Canon for over a decade and jumping from a Rebel to the 6DII is a HUGE milestone. Ur gonna love that full-frame look... but yeah, the gear rabbit hole is real lol. Regarding the power situation, battery grips basically provide two things: extra juice and better ergonomics for vertical shots. But here’s the thing—the 6DII is already a bit chunky. Adding a grip makes it feel like a brick. Unless ur doing 8-hour weddings, I would suggest just carrying a spare Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery. Be careful with third-party grips; I've seen them cause communication errors or even drain batteries while the camera is off. On the SD card front, the 6DII is limited by its UHS-I slot. Background: The camera's hardware has a maximum write speed it can actually handle. Why it matters: If u buy a V90 card, the camera literally can't use that extra speed. Solution: Save ur money and get a SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card V30. It’s the sweet spot for buffer clearing on this specific body. For the strap, seriously look at the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap. The kit ones are basically sandpaper for ur neck. This one uses a seatbelt-style material that’s way more comfortable for that heavy L glass. Also, the Vello Screen Protector Ultra OGS for Canon 6D Mark II is great because it’s thin enough that the screen still clicks shut properly. Quick Tip: Always keep your lens hood attached to protect your front element from bumps. It’s better than using a cheap UV filter that might degrade your image quality!! Hope that helps, good luck! 👍
Honestly, skip the grip—it adds bulk ur not gonna want. Grab a Wasabi Power Battery (2-Pack) and Dual USB Charger for Canon LP-E6N for ~$30 and a SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card ($20). For protection, the PCTC Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Canon 6D Mark II ($10) stays flush. Finally, the OP/TECH USA Pro Strap ($25) is way more comfy than stock. Total is under $90! gl!
Just saw this thread and congrats on the 6DII... it's a beast. I've been super happy with mine since I made the jump to full frame. For power, I'm really satisfied sticking with the Canon LP-E6NH Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery. It's pricey but the capacity is solid and it stays cool during long video sessions. If you wanna save cash tho, the BM Premium 2-Pack LP-E6N Batteries and Dual Charger is a great budget alternative. They work well for long days and I haven't had any issues, though they might drain a tiny bit faster than the OEM ones. No complaints given the price difference. As for carrying it, I'd compare the BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap to something like the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap. The BlackRapid is amazing for weight distribution since it sits across your body, which helps with that heavy 24-105mm glass. The Slide Lite is way lower profile and those quick-adjusters are super handy for switching lengths on the fly, though it has slightly less padding for a full day shoot. Regarding the screen, check out the ULBTER 6D Mark II Tempered Glass Screen Protector. It's nice because it doesn't add much thickness, so the screen still clicks shut properly against the body. Avoid the plastic film ones, they scratch way too easy. For the SD card, I've been using the Lexar Professional 1066x 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card and the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus 128GB SDXC UHS-I Card. Both are way cheaper than V60 cards and fast enough that I rarely hit the buffer limit. The Lexar feels a bit more robust but both have been totally reliable for me.
> Since the 6DII only has one slot and it's UHS-I, is there any real-world benefit to buying the faster V60 or V90 cards... Watch out for those expensive V60 or V90 cards!! Seriously, since the slot is UHS-I, you’re basically paying for speed the camera cant handle. I made that mistake last year and it felt like a total waste... those cards cost way more for nothing. My buffer didnt clear any faster at all lol. I just ended up sticking with standard UHS-I cards to save cash. Does anyone actually notice a difference with V60s? I sure didnt!
Yep, this is the way
Wait really?? Thats actually super helpful. I always thought it was the other way around.
Man, jumping to full frame is such a rush!! I remember when I first made the switch, I stayed up all night just pixel peeping the noise floor at ISO 6400... the difference is honestly staggering. I'm a total sucker for the technical side of things, so I spent way too much time on sites like the Digital Picture comparing the MTF charts for that kit lens you have. It's a solid performer for sure. I actually ended up modifying my own rain cover for it using some heavy duty plastic and velcro because I'm cheap like that and wanted something that fit perfectly with the articulating screen out. It took some trial and error with a heat gun, but it works better than the store-bought ones for my specific setup. One thing I'm curious about tho... are you planning on doing mostly handheld shooting like street or events, or are you looking to get into more long-exposure landscape stuff? Also, do you see yourself using the video features much? Knowing if you need to prioritize heat dissipation or weight balance would really help narrow things down!
Quick reply while I have a sec. Before I give you a full list of recommendations, what are you actually planning to shoot the most? If youre doing landscapes on a tripod, my advice is gonna be way different than if youre shooting 8-hour events or kids running around. In my experience, performance comes down to how the gear handles in the field. Ive tried many setups for the 6D series over the years: