> I’ve been looking into L-brackets... I’m also on the fence about whether I should invest in a dedicated remote shutter release... Honestly, I've been shooting with that body for years and while it's a tank, the lack of a tilting screen is a massive pain for your back. Unfortunately, I've seen too many people ruin their ports with cheap L-brackets that don't fit right. Don't waste your money on generic brands; they almost always block the cable doors or dont fit the contours properly, which is super sketchy when youre hanging $3k of gear over a cliff. For your situation, here's what I actually recommend: 1. **The L-Bracket**: Go with the Really Right Stuff B5D4-L L-Plate for Canon 5D Mark IV. It's expensive but it’s the only one that actually lines up perfectly with the ports. I've had issues with others where the rubber flaps just wont open.
2. **Angle Finder**: Since youre tired of laying in the mud (it's gross, I know), look for a Canon Angle Finder C. I tried using the WiFi app for low shots but it’s way too slow and honestly it's not as good as expected for real professional work. This optical finder lets you look down into the viewfinder from a 90-degree angle.
3. **Square Filter System**: To fix those blown skies, you need a graduated ND. Get the NiSi V7 100mm Filter Holder Kit with True Color CPL. It’s way better than the old stuff I used to use, which had a nasty blue cast. Combine that with a NiSi 100x150mm Nano IR Medium Graduated Neutral Density Filter ND8 (0.9) 3-Stop for sunrises. Also, just get a Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch. The built-in intervalometer is okay, but it drains the battery way faster than it should... which is reallyyy annoying when youre miles from the car. gl!

Sooo basically don't waste cash on RRS. Here’s a solid kit for under $700: 1. Kirk BL-5D4 L-Bracket for Canon 5D Mark IV — fits perfectly without blocking ports.
2. Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular Filter Entry Kit 77mm — way faster than square systems when you're on the move.
3. Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia DM 30-60 V3.0 — gotta protect ur gear from coastal salt spray! Also, the built-in intervalometer works fine, so save ur money there. gl!

Watch out for generic L-brackets because some of 'em totally block the side ports or battery door on the 5D IV, which is a total nightmare in the field! tbh I'm happy with my kit, but I've seen folks regret buying cheap ones just to save money. Curious about one thing tho: are you planning to shoot mostly in salt spray or sandy coastal spots? It definitely changes which filters I'd recommend... 👍

Honestly ive been shooting with the 5D IV for a long time and im still very satisfied with how it handles. You dont always need to drop a ton of cash on high-end accessories to get the job done. IIRC the built-in intervalometer handles almost everything I need for long exposures so id skip the remote for now... kinda saves space in the bag anyway. Here are a few DIY and low-cost things that work for me:

• A cheap foam gardening pad. Since the screen doesnt tilt, just toss this on the ground and you can get low without getting messy.
• Gaffer tape. Not sure if its the pro way to do it but I put a bit over the unused ports to keep the salt and grit out when im at the beach.
• A thick plastic bag and some rubber bands for when the weather turns. I think the camera is sturdy enough that you can get away with some simple solutions and still get those professional results youre after.

Honestly, looking at the market right now, you dont always have to go for the highest-end brands to get professional results. I’ve been researching the L-bracket situation too, and while some people swear by the $150+ options, the Sunwayfoto PCL-5DIV Custom L-Bracket is a solid mid-range alternative. It’s specifically machined for the 5D IV body, so it has the cutouts for the side ports (which is a must), but it's way more cost-effective than the boutique brands. For the low-angle struggle, if you dont want to carry extra gear, try using the Canon Camera Connect App on your smartphone. It basically turns your phone into a remote tilting screen via Wi-Fi. It can be a bit finicky to set up in the field, but it saves your back when you're shooting in the mud. If you prefer a tactile feel for long exposures, the Vello ShutterBoss II Remote Switch with Digital Timer is great because it handles complex timing better than the built-in intervalometer, especially for bulb mode. For filters, I’d check out the Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL. Their glass is widely considered some of the most color-neutral on the market, which helps with those high-contrast sunrises you mentioned. TL;DR: Grab a Sunwayfoto L-bracket for port access, use the Canon app for low angles, and invest in a high-quality Breakthrough CPL to handle the glare and contrast tho.

So basically you're worried about the mud and the ports but i think a lot of people overlook the maintenance side of things once they get into serious landscape work. tbh the 5d iv is a workhorse but it needs some diy love if you're taking it into coastal environments or dusty trails.

• Be really careful with diy sensor cleaning kits. Since you're shooting landscapes at narrow apertures like f/11 or f/16, every tiny speck of dust will show up in those clear skies. It is tempting to save money and do it yourself, but if you scratch that low-pass filter, you are looking at a massive repair bill from Canon. Use a generic blower first and only use wet swabs as a last resort.
• Watch out for salt spray buildup on your lens contacts and the battery door seal. I usually just use a damp cloth with fresh water after a hike. If you let that salt sit, it basically eats through the weather sealing over time. It's way cheaper than a professional service.
• Idk if you have considered the battery situation but dont go too cheap on third-party batteries. The 5d iv is power hungry especially if you use live view to compensate for that fixed screen. Some off-brand batteries dont play nice with the internal power management and can give you false empty readings right when the light is getting good. Anyway just my two cents on the stuff that usually breaks rather than the stuff you buy! Proper self-service will save you way more than a fancy gadget.