Just found this thread! Honestly, I went through this same struggle last year when the sensors started getting huge. I spent a ton of time testing different glass stacks to avoid that annoying corner clipping on the 24mm lens. It's a real technical challenge with the 17 Pro Max's glass. Here’s what I’ve been using:

* iPhone+17+Pro+Max&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">PolarPro LiteChaser Pro Filmmaker Kit for iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. iPhone+17+Pro+Max&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Sandmarc Motion Variable ND Filter for iPhone 17 Pro Max: The PolarPro VNDs are top-tier with zero X-patterning, but the Sandmarc ones feel a bit more natural for street photography colors imo.
* SmallRig MagSafe Phone Tripod Mount with Cold Shoe: I’ve found this is way more stable than the lighter options I used before cuz of the mechanical locking.

Basically, it comes down to weight vs. quality. I usually find the PolarPro glass is worth the extra bulk for that clean cinematic look tho. gl!

Yo! Seriously, that 17 Pro Max is a beast but that massive sensor is super picky about glass. In my experience, if you want to avoid vignetting and actually keep your gear SAFE while vlogging, you gotta go for a dedicated system. I've tried many over the years and basically, generic MagSafe mounts are kinda risky for high-action street stuff if you're worried about the phone popping off.

For your situation, I recommend looking at these two setups:

iPhone+17+Pro+Max+Filter+Case+and+ND+Kit&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">PolarPro LiteChaser Pro iPhone 17 Pro Max Filter Case and ND Kit vs iPhone+17+Pro+Max&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">SmallRig Mobile Video Cage for iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The PolarPro setup is incredible because the filters lock directly onto the case. No chance of them popping off if you bump into someone. It's premium glass, so the image stays crisp. On the other hand, the SmallRig cage is literally a TANK. It offers way more protection for the phone body itself and has multiple screw-in points so your tripod connection is rock solid, not just relying on magnets.

Ngl, the PolarPro is better for pure optics, but the SmallRig gives me more peace of mind regarding drops. Both are solid choices for avoiding that annoying corner clipping. gl!

Ok so, I totally get the hype for all those fancy filter kits, but honestly, as someone who’s been using the 17 Pro Max for a while now, I’m starting to think the "heavy rig" life is a bit overrated for actual travel. Like, basically, if your setup gets too bulky, you just stop wanting to pull it out for quick street shots, you know? I’m not 100% sure if it’s just the way I shoot, but I’ve found that even the strongest MagSafe stuff can feel a tiny bit sketchy during long days of walking—I think I heard somewhere that the magnets can actually lose a bit of their effective grip if the phone gets too hot from recording high-res video for too long? Tbh, I’d prioritize a really fast external drive over more glass. If you’re really pushing that sensor, you’re gonna hit a storage wall way before you hit a lighting wall, iirc. It's just something to think about before you drop a ton of cash on a mounting system that might just make the phone feel like a total brick after a month or two.

In my experience, you really gotta be cautious about filter diameters because those massive lenses on the 17 Pro Max are highkey prone to vignetting. I’d suggest sticking to 67mm glass to stay safe and keep your corners clean!

* iPhone+17+Pro+Max&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Moment 67mm Snap-On Filter Mount for iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. generic clips: The Moment mount is way more stable for street photography, though it's pricier. No complaints about the fit.
* PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter 67mm Signature Edition II: Honestly the best for zero color shift compared to cheap NDs; it’s a safe bet for pro results.
* Peak Design Mobile Tripod (MagSafe Compatible): Much more reliable than the slim clones... it actually handles the phone's weight without slipping.

I'm super satisfied with the 67mm setup; it works well and I've had zero issues so far. gl with the vlogging!!

I feel u on the costs, it gets pricey fast! For my setup, I actually went the budget route and I'm honestly so happy with it. I found a generic MagSafe mount that was way cheaper than the big brands, and it's surprisingly solid. Plus, I just use a basic universal clip-on for my old filters to avoid vignetting... works well and saved me a ton of cash, right? gl!

Totally agree that the sensor on the 17 Pro Max is a beast but it really demands precision so you don't end up with terrible vignetting or soft corners. Tbh I’ve found that the best way to handle these massive new optics is to go the DIY route and piece together a modular setup instead of buying those pre-baked "creator kits" that everyone else uses. Using a standard rail-based universal cage gives you so much more flexibility for balancing and allows you to perfectly align your glass with the optical axis which is super crucial for that pro look and it saves you from being locked into a single brand's ecosystem lol. Before you drop a ton of cash on a specific system though, I had a couple of questions to see what fits your workflow: - Are you looking for a setup that is super portable for street photography, or are you okay with a larger "cinema-style" rig that requires some assembly before each shoot?
- Do you already have a set of high-end 77mm or 82mm filters from a mirrorless camera that you’re hoping to adapt, or are you starting your collection from scratch?