Hey everyone! I’ve been shooting with my Canon 5D Mark IV for about a year now, and while I absolutely love the sensor's performance for portraits, I’m planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest soon and want to really dive into landscape photography. Since this body is a bit of a beast in terms of weight and build compared to modern mirrorless setups, I want to make sure I’m picking up the right accessories that can handle it.
I’ve already got a solid wide-angle lens, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the technical side of the gear. I’m specifically looking for recommendations on a rock-solid tripod—something that won't wobble during long exposures in windy coastal areas. I’m also curious about L-brackets; does anyone have a favorite brand that fits the 5D IV perfectly without blocking the side ports for a remote shutter? Lastly, I’m torn between getting a quality circular polarizer or jumping straight into a 100mm square filter system for those silky-water shots.
I really want to do this camera justice and get the best results possible, but I don't want to buy gear I'll just end up replacing in six months. For those of you who use the 5D Mark IV for your outdoor work, what are the three accessories you absolutely never leave home without?
yo, I feel u on the weight issue... the 5D IV is basically a brick in ur bag compared to the new mirrorless stuff. I've been shooting landscapes with it for ages and honestly, I've had some pretty bad experiences with gear that just couldn't handle the bulk. For a tripod, dont even bother with the lightweight "travel" stuff. I wasted money on a cheap setup and it literally wobbled the second the wind picked up at Cannon Beach, which totally ruined my long exposures. I'd suggest something like the Benro Mach3 9X Carbon Fiber Series 3 Tripod TMA38CX because it's beefy enough to keep that heavy body still without being impossible to hike with. About the L-bracket, it’s kinda annoying cuz the side ports on the 5D IV are so cramped. I tried a generic one at first but it was a total fail—couldnt even plug in my remote shutter properly. I finally bit the bullet and got the Really Right Stuff B5D4-L Set L-Plate for Canon 5D Mark IV. It’s highkey expensive, but it's the only one I've found that actually fits perfectly and lets u use the cables without a struggle. For filters, seriously, just jump to a square system like the NiSi V7 100mm Filter System Kit with True Color CPL. It includes a circular polarizer anyway, and you're gonna need those square ND grads for the PNW skies or ur highlights will basically just be blown. My three must-haves? That RRS bracket, the NiSi kit, and a solid remote like the Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch. Good luck, it's a beautiful place to shoot! 👍
TIL! Thanks for sharing
Stumbled upon this today and figured I'd chime in. @Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, that 5D IV is such a tank that you really gotta respect the weight. I learned that the hard way after a tripod leg failed on me years ago... scary stuff when you see your baby tipping over. If you want something rock solid but don't wanna spend a fortune on the high-end RRS stuff, I've been using the Leofoto LN-324C Carbon Fiber Tripod for a while now. It's beefy enough for the 5D IV and handles coastal wind like a champ without breaking the bank. For the L-bracket, look at the Kirk Enterprise Solutions BL-5D4 L-Bracket. It's designed specifically for our body so you can actually get to the ports without a struggle, which is huge when you're using a remote shutter in the dark. Tbh, I'd start with a really high-end circular polarizer before diving into a square system. Square filters are great but they're such a hassle in the PNW rain. Something like the Hoya 77mm HD3 Circular Polarizer Filter is gonna do wonders for those colors and wet rocks. Just feels more reliable when you're out in the elements, ngl.