Best external microphones and tripods for Canon EOS 90D video setups?

Question

What are the best external mics and tripods for a 90D video setup that wont break the bank? Im finally getting serious about my youtube channel focusing on hiking trails here in the Pacific Northwest and the internal mic on my Canon 90D is just not cutting it at all especially with the wind we get out here.

I spent a few hours looking at a few options:

Rode VideoMic Pro

Manfrotto Element Traveller

Deity V-Mic D3 Pro

The thing is everyone says the Rode is the gold standard but then I saw some reviews saying the 90D preamps can be noisy or that the mic picks up the autofocus motor on my 18-135mm lens which would be a dealbreaker for me. Does anyone have experience with that specific combo? Also for the tripod I need something light for hiking but I am worried the Manfrotto might be too top heavy with the 90D and a shotgun mic on top especially if I am on uneven ground.

My budget is roughly $400 for both pieces and I really need to get this sorted before my next trip in three weeks. Should I just get a cheaper mic like the VideoMicro and spend more on a beefier tripod or is the audio quality jump worth the extra cash? I just dont want to buy something thats gonna tip over the first time a breeze hits it...

Pavern · Accepted Answer

^ This. Also, grab the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro Super-cardioid Shotgun Microphone and the Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Lightweight Tripod. That gain dial is amazing for bypassing noisy 90D preamps!

Samantha Joy Walker · Answer

I remember my first hike with the 90D. I went budget-friendly with the Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone specifically because it includes a furry windshield. It actually saved my audio on a really windy ridge. For the legs, I ended up using the Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit because it's so much lighter for long treks. Quick tip: always set your camera audio to manual and keep the gain low to avoid that internal hiss.

Benjamin · Answer

I learned the hard way that PNW trails eat flimsy tripods. My 90D setup face-planted once because a gust caught the mic like a sail. Honestly, I would grab the Rode VideoMic Pro Compact Directional On-camera Microphone and put the rest into a Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Travel Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head. It is a decent option that handles weight much better on uneven ground so you wont worry about tipping.