2nd Body - your thoughts?

[eml58]

Probably doesn't really matter.  If you get a second body that is less functional that the one you currently have,
you'll probably never use it.  If the second body has more function, then that will become your primary camera and your current body will become "backup".   Either way, the second body is mostly more of a pain in the .... to carry,
handle and use unless you have a competent "assistant".   

 have you tried it?   it sounds like you are guessing.   there are plenty of bags and harnesses which allow for relative convenience in carrying two bodies and two lenses.

 when I shoot football, I  would really like to be able to go from a Tele zoom to a wide angle between plays.   it isn't worth 3500 to me,  but it would be more convenient.

In a nutshell (No more Squirrels Please), jdramirez has it, it's convenience to have a 2nd Body, unless your a Pro, then it's a must have. It get's down to how much convenience/how much your willing to spend.

I shoot various types of Images, but my main interest is Wildlife, I absolutely need 3 Bodies at all times connected to 3 Lenses when on Safari, 70-200/300/600, the 300 will depending on conditions be either the 300 or the 400, but will now be the 200-400.

It's about speed and not wanting to waste time changing Lenses, and it's about not wanting the Sensors to be covered in Dust/Snow/Water etc. The only downside is weight, but currently I have a Sherpa, more commonly known as a Son, so when we Travel, he obligingly helps me carry the Gear, in fact, this is the largest cost of all, Children.

So depending on what you shoot, a 2nd Body is to me, totally necessary. Fortunately today we are spoiled by choice at all Budget Levels, I use 2 x 1Dx & 2 x 5DMK III Bodies, but you can just as easily go for a Pair of 6D, or a 5DMK II & a 60D, work out what your needs are, what you can afford, try the various combinations, make a decision, go have Fun.

[Dylan777]

It's about speed and not wanting to waste time changing Lenses, and it's about not wanting the Sensors to be covered in Dust/Snow/Water etc. The only downside is weight, but currently I have a Sherpa, more commonly known as a Son, so when we Travel, he obligingly helps me carry the Gear, in fact, this is the largest cost of all, Children.
So depending on what you shoot, a 2nd Body is to me, totally necessary. Fortunately today we are spoiled by choice at all Budget Levels, I use 2 x 1Dx & 2 x 5DMK III Bodies, but you can just as easily go for a Pair of 6D, or a 5DMK II & a 60D, work out what your needs are, what you can afford, try the various combinations, make a decision, go have Fun.

That's awesome...father & son traveling together to photograph the world is PRICELESS. Love your photos eml58

[Dylan777]

Thanks everyone. After a well rested night, I decided to pick 5D III as my second body

Just ordered a 5D III as 2nd body through Crutchfield...it will arrive this coming Thursday. Thanks everyone.

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

[jdramirez]

Thanks everyone. After a well rested night, I decided to pick 5D III as my second body

Just ordered a 5D III as 2nd body through Crutchfield...it will arrive this coming Thursday. Thanks everyone.

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

Let me know if you fall out of love with that 85mm...  it is  on my to do list  because of that stupid picture of a chair.

[Dylan777]

Let me know if you fall out of love with that 85mm...  it is  on my to do list  because of that stupid picture of a chair.

Pls allow me to assist you on pulling that trigger sooner

Here is another JPEG straight out of camera. NO PP YET. This is why want to have 2nd body - closeup shots.

The bokeh on 135L looks super too, if you shoot outdoor.

[eml58]

It's about speed and not wanting to waste time changing Lenses, and it's about not wanting the Sensors to be covered in Dust/Snow/Water etc. The only downside is weight, but currently I have a Sherpa, more commonly known as a Son, so when we Travel, he obligingly helps me carry the Gear, in fact, this is the largest cost of all, Children.
So depending on what you shoot, a 2nd Body is to me, totally necessary. Fortunately today we are spoiled by choice at all Budget Levels, I use 2 x 1Dx & 2 x 5DMK III Bodies, but you can just as easily go for a Pair of 6D, or a 5DMK II & a 60D, work out what your needs are, what you can afford, try the various combinations, make a decision, go have Fun.

That's awesome...father & son traveling together to photograph the world is PRICELESS. Love your photos eml58

Thanks Dylan777, and his name just happens to be Dylan as well, the eldest is actually a better Sherpa, but he's just gone off to Medical School, so I'm left with Dylan Sherpa, but he has a great sense of Humour so he's a joy to Travel with. When we went to the north Pole in 2009 he was the youngest to ever visit the North Pole (10 years Old), I've taken my Boys everywhere I can where School time allowed (and where it's not too Dangerous), Dylan is on his 4th Passport and visited 37 Countries,  and he's just 14.

[RLPhoto]

Dylan, did you really pay full price? Canon refurbs at @ 2799$ plus, its a second body afterall.

Just a thought.

[J.R.]

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

OMG! I'm shocked

 

[eml58]

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

OMG! I'm shocked

 

It's only June, plenty of time to realise he's spoken in error.

[Hobby Shooter]

I'd get the 5DIII (or the 1D X).  The better AF will be beneficial - especially with fast primes you'll want the f/2.8 crosses that the 6D doesn't have.  Also, if you're carrying two bodies and switching between them as you shoot, ergonomics is important - having the same controls is preferable, rather than switching from the normal xD dial+joystick controls to the 60D-like dial of the 6D.

 that is true about the  knowing the controls by heart.  I  had a 60d  and someone would ask about adjusting a t3i  and it was like I never used an slr in my life. 

 having said that,  if you do separate  the  duties, I  think  the 6d  will be more than sufficient as a portrait camera.

Lol... I've had the same experience.  Going from my 5D3 to my old 60D isn't too bad, probably because I used the 60D for a couple years exclusively, but a couple months ago someone handed me a rebel asking for help.  I just stood there for about 15 seconds staring at it before I even hit the first button.  The person probably thought I had a stroke or something 

Ha ha very funny. A friend of mine asked me to help her with some settings on her Nikon of some sorts. That was a complete mental breakdown.  I gave it back and told her to keep it in automatic. 

[Dylan777]

Dylan, did you really pay full price? Canon refurbs at @ 2799$ plus, its a second body afterall.

Just a thought.

Yes...@ $3200. I paid $3500 for my 1st

My 4yrs daughter will graduate from pre-school this coming friday . The teachers & school principal have asked me to be " THE photographer" for this event . It seems like perfect timing for 2nd body.

I'm happy to see most of my photos were used in 2012-2013 school year book.

[Zv]

Dylan, did you really pay full price? Canon refurbs at @ 2799$ plus, its a second body afterall.

Just a thought.

Yes...@ $3200. I'll keep both cameras for another 3-5yrs.

I thought the 5D3 had come down in price, wasn't it under $3000 for a new one? I've noticed recently that over in Japan the price of the 5D3 went up slightly but it's still under $3000. Are prices in the US going up?? I was always a bit jealous of the cheapness over there!

[tron]

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

OMG! I'm shocked

 

It's only June, plenty of time to realise he's spoken in error.

   
It's not over till it's over (Dec 31st 23:59:59)

[tron]

Thanks everyone. After a well rested night, I decided to pick 5D III as my second body

Just ordered a 5D III as 2nd body through Crutchfield...it will arrive this coming Thursday. Thanks everyone.

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

Let me know if you fall out of love with that 85mm... it is  on my to do list  because of that stupid picture of a chair.

? ? ?

[J.R.]

No more purchases for 2013....I think I'm DONE

OMG! I'm shocked

 

It's only June, plenty of time to realise he's spoken in error.

   
It's not over till it's over (Dec 31st 23:59:59)

Buying gear is never "DONE", there almost always something bigger and better available.