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What are the essential must-have accessories for a Canon 5D Mark IV?

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I just finally pulled the trigger on a Canon 5D Mark IV after saving up for quite a while, and I’m absolutely loving the image quality so far! However, coming from an older Rebel series, I realize this beast requires a bit more than just a basic kit to really shine. I’m primarily planning to use it for a mix of landscape photography and some local event work, so I want to make sure I’m fully prepared before my next big shoot.

I’ve been looking into memory cards first—since it has dual slots, is it better to stick with high-speed CF cards for the primary slot to handle that 4K video bitrate, or are top-tier SD cards sufficient for most tasks? Also, I’ve heard mixed reviews about battery life when using the live view and Wi-Fi features. Should I invest in the official BG-E20 battery grip for the extra juice, or are there reliable third-party options that you guys trust? I'm also a bit worried about protecting that beautiful touchscreen without losing any of the touch sensitivity.

I’m trying to prioritize my spending, so I’d love to hear from long-time 5D IV users. Aside from the obvious lenses, what are the absolute 'day one' accessories you’d recommend? Are there any specific L-brackets or straps that you’ve found work best with its specific ergonomics?


8 Answers
12

So, I'd actually suggest a different approach if you wanna save some coin. Highkey, that official battery grip makes the camera a total brick, which is honestly a pain when you're hiking for landscapes. I've been really happy just carrying extra batteries in my bag instead. You can grab the Wasabi Power Battery 2-Pack and Dual Charger for Canon LP-E6N for like $30-35. It's a lifesaver and way cheaper than the Canon one mentioned earlier! Regarding the cards, unless you're doing heavy 4K video, a top-tier SD like the SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro SDXC UHS-I V30 is plenty fast for event bursts and way more affordable than CF. For protection, definitely get a Vello Screen Protector Ultra for Canon 5D Mark IV. It's tempered glass so the touch sensitivity stays perfect. If you need an L-bracket, the Neewer Aluminum L-Bracket for Canon 5D Mark IV is super solid for about $50 compared to the $150 pro versions. TL;DR: Save money by skipping the grip; buy spare batteries and fast SD cards instead. peace 👍


11

In my experience, get the SanDisk 128GB Extreme Pro CompactFlash Card for speed and the Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for events. It works well and highkey saves ur battery life, tbh!


5

Honestly, I spent like a whole month comparing brands when I first got my 5D IV. I was SO torn between going all-in on the big names or trying out some newer players. What I realized from my own research is that while everyone jumps to SanDisk, something like the Lexar Professional 1066x CompactFlash Card gives you incredible reliability for a bit less cash, especially for those 4K write speeds. I also really struggled with the ergonomics at first because it is a HEAVY body compared to a Rebel. I eventually ditched the stock strap for the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap. Its basically the gold standard for a reason—the quick-connect anchors make it so easy to swap to a tripod, you know? Since you mentioned landscapes, I found the SmallRig L-Bracket for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 2146 is a better middle-ground brand than the super cheap ones. It fits the contours way better and doesnt block the battery door like some generic versions do. Its kind of a rabbit hole once you start looking at the market, but those two really changed how I shoot with this beast!


3

Congrats on the upgrade! I remember making that jump and it felt huge. One thing I've learned being a bit of a DIY guy is that you really don't need to send it in for service as much as people say - you can handle a lot of the maintenance yourself if your careful. I was terrified of touching the sensor at first but paying a pro every time was just burning cash. Anyway, here is what I've found works for keeping things running smooth without breaking the bank:
- Giottos Rocket Air Blaster Large - This is basically mandatory for landscape work to keep dust off the sensor before it sticks.
- VSGO Full Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit - Ngl, the first time is nerve-wracking, but it's way cheaper than a pro service and actually pretty easy.
- SmallRig L-Bracket for Canon 5D Mark III IV 2202 - I like this one since it fits the body like a glove and doesn't block the ports. Also, definitely take some time to DIY your button mapping - afaik, setting the back button focus is the best thing you can do for events. Its a total game changer once you get used to it!


3

I totally agree with the point about the strap being a total neck killer. Ive had my 5D IV for a long time now and honestly, the weight is the biggest thing you have to manage. Since youre doing landscapes, one thing I havent seen mentioned much is a dedicated L-bracket that actually fits the body properly. It makes a huge difference when youre trying to get those vertical shots on a tripod without the whole setup tipping over. Here are a couple things that have worked for me over the years:

  • Kirk BL-5D4 L-Bracket - it fits the 5D IV perfectly and doesnt block the side ports which is great.
  • Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector for Canon 5D Mark IV
  • I put this on day one and the touch sensitivity is still perfect.
  • Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch - pretty much essential for landscapes so you dont shake the camera when hitting the shutter. Regarding the cards, I actually started using ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II Gold cards recently. They are pretty fast and I havent had a single failure yet. Even though the 5D IV doesnt support UHS-II speeds fully, having the faster card makes offloading the photos to my computer so much quicker. Is anyone else finding the Wi-Fi drains the battery super fast? I usually just keep it off unless I really need to send a shot to my phone. It is a wierd drain even when the camera is supposedly off sometimes.


2

Just saw this thread and wanted to jump in since I've been lugging the 5D IV around since launch. Since you're doing landscapes, you really might want to consider a dedicated shutter release. Relying on the 2-second timer is a pain when the light is changing fast and you're trying to time a shot perfectly. I'd suggest getting the Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch because those cheap knockoffs have a habit of snapping off inside the port if you aren't careful, and that's a nightmare repair you dont want to deal with. Also, be really careful with how you transfer your files. The micro-USB port on the side of the camera body is kinda fragile honestly... I've seen way too many people strip it out by plugging it in and out constantly. I would suggest grabbing a dedicated reader like the ProGrade Digital USB 3.2 Gen 2 Dual-Slot SD and CF Card Reader to save your camera's internal electronics. One last thing, make sure to get a proper tempered glass protector for that screen. I've used the Expert Shield Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Canon 5D Mark IV for years and it doesn't mess with the touch sensitivity at all, which is huge for changing focus points on the fly. Just take it slow with the setup and dont cheap out on the gear that connects directly to the body.


2

> "Since you're doing landscapes, you really might want to consider a dedicated shutter release." I definitely agree with Grace on that. Unfortunately, I've had quite a few issues with the wireless connectivity on this body. It's just not as good as expected for professional landscape work, tbh. The lag when using a phone as a remote is pretty bad and it tends to disconnect right when the light is peaking. Performance-wise, a wired connection is much more stable. Not sure but I think the internal transmitter gets some interference when the dual card slots are both active and writing. Someone told me that certain high-speed cards cause a bit of heat that affects the Wi-Fi stability, though I'm not 100% sure if that's technically accurate. It's kinda disappointing that we still have to rely on extra cables for a reliable trigger on a flagship. IIRC, there was a discussion about the weather sealing on those side ports becoming a weak point if you leave them open too long in humid environments. Just something to keep in mind if you're out in the field.


1

Yo! Late to the party but honestly, I'd suggest a different approach for your day-one spending. I totally agree with the previous post that the official grip turns this thing into a literal brick—not exactly what you want when you're out doing landscapes. Respectfully, I'd consider another option before dropping huge cash on power and high-end CF cards right away. I mean, unless you're shooting heavy 4K video all day, a fast SD card is basically enough for events and landscapes. Instead of the grip, I'd say grab a solid sling strap. The stock Canon one is literally a neck-killer after an hour!! Also, just get a basic tempered glass screen protector. Touch sensitivity stays perfect and it's way cheaper than the name-brand ones. Just my two cents... good luck with the new rig!


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