yo, honestly the 5D IV is a beast but it's definitely heavy for those long hikes... I've spent years lugging mine around the PNW. For your $800 budget, here is how I'd break it down: 1. **The Tripod Dilemma: Weight vs Stability**
- **Option A:** Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber. Pros: it's incredibly compact and light. Cons: honestly, it can feel a bit "fiddly" with a heavy DSLR + 16-35mm combo in high winds.
- **Option B:** Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Carbon Fiber Tripod paired with an Acratech GP Ballhead. Pros: this is my go-to. The Feisol is rock solid and handles the 5D IV weight way better, plus the Acratech head is open-gear so sand and salt from the coast won't gunk it up. Cons: slightly bulkier than the PD. 2. **Filters: Square is the way.**
I'd highkey suggest the NiSi V7 100mm Filter System Kit. Square systems are better cuz you can stack a NiSi 100x150mm Nano IR Medium Graduated Neutral Density Filter GND8 (0.9) 3-Stop without the vignetting you get from circulars at 16mm. Plus, the V7 has a built-in CPL which is basically essential for killing glare on wet rocks. 3. **The Essentials:**
- **L-Bracket:** Really Right Stuff B5D4-L L-Plate for Canon 5D Mark IV. It's expensive but doesn't block the cable doors, keeping ur weather sealing intact.
- **Remote:** Skip the fancy ones and get the Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch. It's dead simple and works every time. Basically, prioritize the L-bracket and a solid square filter kit first. gl with the trip! 👍

Respectfully, I'd consider another option... Honestly, I've had a different experience with those "luxury" setups. I spent a fortune on gear that literally seized up in PNW salt spray, which sucked. Instead of blowing ur whole $800, grab the Benro Mach3 TMA28C Carbon Fiber Tripod for $350 and a Sunwayfoto PCL-5DIV L-Bracket for $50. Skip square filters; just get a Hoya 77mm HD3 Circular Polarizer for $130. Its way easier for hiking! gl

Sooo, had a minute to think about your kit... honestly the 5D IV is still a total monster for landscapes even in 2024. But yeah, lugging that thing and the 16-35 f/4 (which is a killer lens btw) up a 5-mile trail requires some smart gear choices so you dont wreck your shoulders or deal with blurry shots! > Since the 5D IV is a bit of a heavy hitter compared to mirrorless setups, I’m particularly worried about finding a tripod and ball head combo that’s rock-solid but won’t kill my back For your situation, I highkey recommend looking at the Leofoto LS-324C Ranger Series Carbon Fiber Tripod paired with the Leofoto LH-40 Low Profile Ball Head. Since it doesn't have a center column, it's way more stable for the 5D IV's mirror slap, but it still fits in a side pocket of a pack pretty easily. It's basically the sweet spot between those flimsy travel tripods and the heavy studio legs. Regarding filters, if you're hitting PNW waterfalls, a square system is a MUST for technical control. The Haida M10 Filter Holder Kit is fantastic cuz it has a drop-in CPL that you can spin without messing with the square filters. It’s a total game changer when your hands are wet and cold! For the ND, grab the Haida NanoPro 100x100mm 10-Stop Neutral Density Filter for those silky water shots. Also, for the L-Bracket, I really love the SmallRig L-Bracket for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 2202. It's way cheaper than some boutique brands but fits like a glove and keeps the weather-sealed side ports totally accessible. And honestly? To save that $800 budget, maybe skip an external remote; the 5D IV has a great built-in intervalometer and bulb timer that works perfectly for long exposures once you get used to the menu! The PNW is gonna be AMAZING, you're gonna love those coastal shots. gl!

Honestly, I totally agree with the point about circular filters being better for hiking! I’m still pretty new to this, but I’ve been doing a ton of research into what brands actually make sense for a heavy DSLR like the 5D IV. Since we’re on a budget, some of those boutique brands feel like overkill?? From what I can tell looking at the market right now: * **Tripods:** You honestly can't go wrong with Manfrotto. They’ve been around forever and usually have better height options for tall people. Or maybe check out Sirui if you want to save some cash but still get carbon fiber stuff.
* **Filters:** Breakthrough Photography seems to be the big name everyone is switching to for landscape things lately, but Tiffen is also super solid and usually way cheaper.
* **L-Brackets:** I'd just look for any dedicated 5D IV bracket from a brand like SmallRig or something similar off Amazon. Does the 5D IV actually need a special remote for the weather sealing to work though? I’m always scared the rain will get into the ports if I have stuff plugged in while shooting waterfalls!!! Anyway, hope that helps a bit!

Saved for later, ty!