rond-photography Loc: Connecticut

Get it, or a cheaper, but capable, Canon body that you can use as backup. I recently bought a backup for my Olympus M1 - a very inexpensive OMD M10. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the M1, but is very capable.
On a shoot only months after purchasing the M10, my M1 shutter (over 80,00 activation at last previous check) blew up in the middle of a high speed burst catching coffee pouring for a client. I put the card into the M10 and verified I had missed the shot. So I put my lens on the M10 and reshot. Client was very happy and the ability to just continue as if this was no big deal gave her confidence in me.

I repeat - get it. You sound like you are in the same boat as me, and camera failure WILL happen someday.

awis01

What would you do if you were shooting an event and your camera failed? IMHO a 2nd body is well worth it.

miked46 Loc: Winter Springs, Florida

I just bought a used 80D from the re-sellers MPB, and I am tickled pink over it

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

My 2 cents worth...

I use a pair of 7D Mark II at sporting events, fitted with different lenses in order to switch very quickly between them. I usually keep them set the same way too.

There are some situations where it can be useful that the 2nd camera be different in some way. IMO, it mostly depends upon the pace of what you're shooting. For example, I also have a full frame camera, though I mostly use it for things other than sports.

However, when shooting fast action and swapping cameras quickly, I think it's best that the two cameras be the same. In the past I've used other models the same way: a pair of original 7D, before that three 50D, and before that a couple 30D. I've tried it the other way... with different camera models... but that just didn't work well for me. It caused me to have to pause and think about which camera I was using, missing some shots as a result.

Of course, the 2nd camera does serve as a backup too. If necessary I could keep shooting the event with one camera, if the other failed. But to me that's a secondary concern. I've very rarely had a problem where backup was needed (except when shooting a wedding... it seems something always gets damaged or mysteriously stops working at weddings... go figure).

Another benefit is that using two or more can spread around the "mileage" you put on your cameras. 7DII are rated for 200,000 shutter actuations (MTBF). After two years using them, I'd have halfway worn out a single camera... but I have instead only used roughly 1/4 the expected lifespan of a pair of cameras.

Cheers!

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Consider a used 80D then you won't need to learn new button placements, etc. and it should be cost effective.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I guess the question is how often would you need the second body? Is not having one holding you back or causing you to miss shots? If yes, then go for it!

gordone Loc: Red Deer AB Canada

If a lot of your events are indoors in poor lighting, you might want to consider a used 5Diii. The controls are the same so there is no learning curve or brain farts switching between cameras. It also gives the ability to get a wider field of view with the same EF lenses

rwoodvira

I have a 70d and as a back-up an SL2. I was on a recent boat trip around Assateague Island and had a 100-400 on the 70 d and a much shorter zoom on the other. We pulled into a jetty and I got some great shots of horses with
the second camera. If I had taken the time to change lenses I might have missed a few shots. Also it was a breezy day, we were bouncing around a lot, and I was concerned about exposing the 70d to water while changing lenses.
Also, if you have a camera failure, you have the back-up there so you don't miss anything. The SL2 may be a beginners camera, but I've talked to others that use it like I do.

Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal

You should always have a back up. Whenever I upgrade, my former prime camera becomes my back up and my former back up gets donated. I do not know much about the Canon line, but you should consider getting an upgrade to your 80D and make the 80D your backup.

On a trip to Europe last month, my D850 went down and I was able to seamlessly switch to the D800e without missing a shot.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Honestly, since you are shooting music venues, rather than a second 80D you might consider a full frame with better low light performance. In fact, if your budget permits, the EOS R might be right for you. It uses EF as well as EF-S lenses. While the R does have shortcomings those issues would not affect your uses.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

In my film days I had 2 Canon F1 cameras. I used to shoot high school plays and even did a couple of off Broadway NYC plays too. Since you already have experience doing concerts you know which lenses you use most. You will find that having the lens already mounted on a camera will help you big time in getting the shot you want without the stress of unmounting and mounting another lens. (not to mention possibly dropping one). If you are happy with the results you get from the D80 I would stick with that model.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

The OP is a Canon shooter, a rank amateur. He's a retiree, which suggests he doesn't have extreme amounts of money. He has Canon lenses.
It would seem to be logical to backup his Canon with another Canon.

Why are multiple people trying to convince him that their Nikon equipment lists are what he should consider and emulate?

The rush to boast about and recommend Nikon as if there is nothing else is getting tiresome.

Lighten up, Nikon folks.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Every one is different but, I use 2 bodies a full frame and non full frame (5D and 7D). That way I have reach advantage on the 7D and wide advantage on the 5D. All man lens call are marked as 18-40(as married for full frame) and 29-64 (as would be on 7D).

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You make a lot of shots and I presume you are making some money from your work. I would say get your second camera.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

For what it is worth, I, too, have an 80D and I love it. I also still have my T2i that it replaced. I also shoot musical events weekly and am an amateur as well. HOWEVER, I DON'T take 2 cameras with me. I have a Sigma 18-300mm lens on the 80D and never need to change lenses at those events. That lens is on sale now for $399 NEW!