When do you purchase the second camera body? Is it better to have two camera bodies from the same era or even the same model, or is it better to wait a few years in case there are...

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Is it better to have two camera bodies from the same era or even the same model, or is it better to wait a few years in case there are significant technological improvements? I have a Sony a580 with four lenses - a 35mm fixed, a 18-80mm Zeiss, a 70-300 Sony, and a Sony 100mm macro. I get tired of changing from one lens to another whenever the situation changes. I'm just curious about how others handle this dilemma.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

lorvey wrote:

Is it better to have two camera bodies from the same era or even the same model, or is it better to wait a few years in case there are significant technological improvements? I have a Sony a580 with four lenses - a 35mm fixed, a 18-80mm Zeiss, a 70-300 Sony, and a Sony 100mm macro. I get tired of changing from one lens to another whenever the situation changes. I'm just curious about how others handle this dilemma.

try going out with just one lens - that way you don't have to mess with changing a lens and you get to learn more about the lens you chose.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

If you're really tired of changing lenses, maybe you would be better off with a high end P&S or rangefinder. My wife takes great pix with a Canon G12 and never has to worry about bulky bodies or lenses.

If you're committed to DSLRs, and you find yourself changing lenses in adverse conditions (dust in the air, wind, rain etc.) then it might be time for a second body.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I think what you're shooting should be taken into consideration.

--Are you ever getting paid to take photos? If so then you need a backup body now.

--If you are in situations where you need to rapidly change from wide angle zooms to a bigger tele then sure, get another body. You could invest in an 18-200 type of zoom but that has some drawbacks like higher f-stop minimums.

--If you're just out there walking around town and just don't feel like changing a lens then, no perhaps you don't need another body...

I have a Nikon D3000 and a D7000 and the menu/button layouts of the two are very different but I've become comfortable with either so it's not a big deal. I would like to have two D7000 but it's not worth the extra money to make that happen for me.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I bought my second body when I bought my second lens. I never go out without 2 cameras at the ready for many reasons, too much to miss and too much can go wrong.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Even with my Nikkor 28-300mm I was constantly switching to my 10-24mm wide angle on vacation. Thank goodness I had an assistant to help me with the changes. She also made good sandwiches and kept me warm at night!

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

PrairieSeasons wrote:

If you're really tired of changing lenses, maybe you would be better off with a high end P&S or rangefinder. My wife takes great pix with a Canon G12 and never has to worry about bulky bodies or lenses.

If you're committed to DSLRs, and you find yourself changing lenses in adverse conditions (dust in the air, wind, rain etc.) then it might be time for a second body.

Thanks for your response. I have Canon S90 which takes pretty good pics, but my real need is probably to have the macro lens on a separate body. It is a little different shooting birds and then running into a butterfly or worm that looks interesting.

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

sloscheider wrote:

I think what you're shooting should be taken into ... (show quote)

Thank you for your input. So when you are shooting with the D3000 and the D7000, do you have both of them hanging on your neck? Does that get a little bit tiresome/

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

MT Shooter wrote:

I bought my second body when I bought my second lens. I never go out without 2 cameras at the ready for many reasons, too much to miss and too much can go wrong.

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking when I asked the question.

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

SteveR wrote:

Even with my Nikkor 28-300mm I was constantly switching to my 10-24mm wide angle on vacation. Thank goodness I had an assistant to help me with the changes. She also made good sandwiches and kept me warm at night!

So are you suggesting I should get a warm and fuzzy assistant? I already have one, but she is not into changing lens, at least I don't think I want her touching my lenses.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

lorvey wrote:

MT Shooter wrote:

I bought my second body when I bought my second lens. I never go out without 2 cameras at the ready for many reasons, too much to miss and too much can go wrong.

Thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking when I asked the question.

You are welcome. I use the OpTech Double Sling Strap to carry 2 bodies, very comfortable and no neck strain. Occasionally I will have a film body with me also and carry that hanging from D-rings on my vest via OpTech connectors. All the cameras and mounting points are interchangeable due to OpTechs design, its a great setup if you need it, at a VERY reasonable price.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

lorvey wrote:

Thank you for your input. So when you are shooting with the D3000 and the D7000, do you have both of them hanging on your neck? Does that get a little bit tiresome/

Nope, I typically only have one in hand. At dog show I have one setup for portraits with studio lights and the other (typically the D7000) ready for ringside shots on a shoulder strap.

lorvey Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

MT Shooter wrote:

quote=lorvey quote=MT Shooter I bought my second... (show quote)

Thanks for the update. If I get a second body, I will look into a sling strap. The OpTech is only $32.95 at Amazon. Anyways, I don't want to leave too much money for my kids.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Back in my filmy days (daze ? ) I had two- a Canon 650 and a 620... Same cameras, one color and one for b/w....

SteveR Loc: Michigan

MT Shooter wrote:

quote=lorvey quote=MT Shooter I bought my second... (show quote)

MT....Dare ya to stand on the hill outside Area 51 with that get up!!