Hey everyone! I’ve finally booked a dream two-week trip through Iceland and the Swiss Alps, and I’m definitely taking my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV along. I absolutely love the image quality and weather sealing of this camera, but I’m a bit nervous about the bulk and logistics of carrying a full-frame DSLR setup for that long.
Since I’ll be doing quite a bit of hiking and hopping between trains, I really need to optimize my gear. I’m currently looking for advice on the best travel-friendly accessories. Specifically, I’m struggling to find a strap that can handle the weight without killing my neck—has anyone used the Peak Design Slide or something similar with this heavy body? Also, when it comes to power, is it better to bring a battery grip for the extra juice, or should I just pack 3-4 spare LP-E6N batteries to keep the footprint smaller?
I’m also on the hunt for a sturdy but lightweight travel tripod that won't wobble when I have a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached. I’ve realized that my current setup is just too heavy for long days on foot. If you’ve traveled extensively with the 5D Mark IV, what are the absolute 'must-have' accessories that made your life easier on the road?
idk, i've hauled my 5d mark iv through the dolomites and iceland, so i totally get the struggle. it's a beast but the weight is real. here's how i'd handle the gear logistics: - **power:** skip the Canon Battery Grip BG-E20. it adds way too much bulk for train hopping. carry 3 or 4 Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery (2130mAh) packs instead. keep 'em in an internal pocket so the icelandic cold doesnt drain the voltage prematurely.
- **straps:** the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap (Black SL-BK-3) is good, but the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip (Black CC-BK-3) is basically mandatory for hiking. it puts the weight on ur pack's shoulder strap rather than ur neck. - **tripods:** compare the Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber) vs the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod (GT1545T). peak is more compact, but the gitzo has better torsional rigidity for that heavy 24-70 glass. honestly, go with the gitzo for stability in high winds. gl!! 👍
^ This. Also, skip the brand name battery prices if you want to save some cash for the actual trip. Ive spent way too much on gear over the years and honestly, third-party stuff has come a long way in terms of reliability. Since youre doing the Alps and Iceland, you definitely want to keep that 5D IV safe without spending another thousand dollars. A few things Ive found that really work:
Can confirm
Agreeing with SilverFox on the battery grip stuff. It makes the 5D Mark IV way too bulky for hiking and train hopping. Keep it lean. If you want to save some cash on the tripod without sacrificing stability for that 24-70mm setup, you dont need to drop Gitzo money.
bump
TIL! Thanks for sharing