For all you wedding photogs out there...

[canon23]

Ok, here we go again for your sound advice. I have started out as an assistant wedding photographer not too long ago, and my goal is to become a primary wedding Photog (disclaimer: this is still a side gig & I have a full time job, but goal is to be full time wedding photog). Currently my gears are:

1) 5D Mark II
2) Sigma 35 mm f/1.4
3) Canon 50 mm f/1.8 II
4) Canon 24-105 mm f/4
5) Canon 70-200 mm f/2.8 II

I am saving up to purchase my next gear...should I aim to buy:

1) 5D Mark III
or
2) Canon 24-70 f/2.8 II (if I choose this option, I would sell my 24-105)

I know the price difference between these options could be a swing of $2k, but that's not the main issue. Priority here is practicality and usefulness.

Initially I thought of purchasing lenses first, but the thought of a 2nd body is very intriguing because I have found swapping lenses is a bit of a hassle and could miss some important opportunities.

Thanks again!

 

[stoneysnapper]

I'm not a wedding photographer but I've shot 4 weddings for friends and relatives and each time done it with a single body but I wasn't getting paid and the couples knew the risks. But if someone is paying you and you have that once in a blue moon equipment failure then what are you going to do? For me it has to be the extra body, with the II as your backup. No camera no business.

 

[deleteme]

No camera no business.

Agreed. You need another body. A 5DmkII is very inexpensive. The money you save will be better in your pocket.

 

[OnceUponaHoneyB]

I would also have to agree that the extra camera body would be the wiser investment.

You will be glad to have the superior autofocus, and with the 24-105 you have better range compared to the 24-70 and with the 35mm you have the better low light performance.

 

[CharlieB]

All of my weddings were/are shot in 2-1/4 film.

Two bodies. A 35mm lens, a 50mm lens. and... if you must... a 100mm lens. I used a 60mm, 80mm and 2x Mutar on ever shoot, was never at a loss.

Put your money into a second body - 5Dii or 6D, and some decent flash equipment.

 

[agierke]

as a wedding photographer i would have to recommend the 5D3 as your highest priority. it was built for doing weddings.

the focusing system is so good in that camera compared to the 5D2. it will add functionality to all of your current lenses and change the way you are able to shoot in a very good way.

 

[LewisShermer]

Yeah, 2nd body is a must, it's nice to not have to swap lenses around and you have a back up just in case everything goes tits up. I just keep the 24-105mm on one and the 50mm 1.4 on the other and to be honest I only use the 24-105 for the groups. I'd like the sigma 35mm 1.4 though. that's my next buy, it'll probably replace the 50mm. I'd say you have no need for any more lenses, just to replace that crappy 50mm 1.8 (you'll notice the difference between that and the 1.4 straight away)

 

[Dylan777]

Another vote for 2nd body + flashes, due to 24-105.

I'm not a wedding photog - just a dad with two kids. I recently bought a 2nd 5D III. Yes...it's very easy to shoot with 2 bodies.

My setting are
Indoor with decent light:
1. Primary camera: 5D III + 24-70 II - general photos
2. 2nd camera: 5D III + 70-200 f2.8 IS II, 85L II for close up shots & portrait

When there is almost no light:
1. Primary camera: 5D III + 50L
2. 2nd camera: 5D III + 85L II for close up shots & portrait

And if I'm too lazy to carry these cameras and lenses, my Sony RX-1 will be the primary

 

[mjbehnke]

Second body is a must, along with extra batteries. You cannot go to a paid shoot and have a camera failure. And if it's a wedding, that can be the end of you going pro if word gets out that you did a wedding and your camera failed and the bride and groom got no photos after the failure. I help a professional wedding shooter here in town and together, we show up with 4 bodies. It also makes shooting much easier if you are not switching lenses all the time. We both use the 24-70 on one body, I use the 70-200 on my other body and he will have a 100 on his second body. We will use a macro lens prior to the wedding to shoot the rings and other items, but that's about it.

So, I agree with everybody else.

Matthew