Hey everyone! I finally did it—I bit the bullet and picked up a Canon 5D Mark IV. I’ve been shooting on a Rebel series and then a 70D for years, and while those served me well, making the jump to a professional full-frame body feels like a massive step up. I’m absolutely thrilled to start using it, but I’m also feeling a little overwhelmed by how much more gear I might need to actually get the most out of this beast.

I’m primarily focusing on a mix of wedding photography and some high-end portrait work, so reliability is my number one priority. I want to make sure I’m fully prepared before my first big gig with this camera. For starters, I’m a bit stuck on the memory card situation. I know the 5D IV has dual slots—one for CF and one for SD—but I’m not sure which specific speeds or brands are the most stable for writing large RAW files and the occasional 4K video. Is it worth investing in the fastest CF cards, or do you find that the SD slot handles most things just fine?

I’m also looking at power management. The battery life seems okay so far, but for a 10-hour wedding day, I’m debating whether I should just buy a handful of extra LP-E6N batteries or if a dedicated battery grip is a better move for the ergonomics. Also, since this body is a bit heavier than what I’m used to, I’m wondering if there’s a specific strap system or L-bracket that you guys swear by for comfort and tripod mounting.

I’ve spent a good chunk of my savings on the body itself, so I really want to be smart about what I buy next. I’m looking for the essentials that actually improve the workflow or protect the sensor, rather than just flashy gimmicks. What are the absolute must-have accessories that you always keep in your bag for the 5D Mark IV, and are there any specific brands you’ve found to be the most reliable for professional use?