Nicely done! Colorado is just full of "Kodak Moments"!

Beautiful shots! Not sure I am that steady any more to hand-hold and get those results.

So much for the naysayers!

When the sun is in total eclipse it will be night time. You will not need eye protection during the period of totality.

You will need a tripod during the totality phase of the eclipse, since you will be shooting under night time conditions. I sure you are wanting to catch the sun's outline at totality. Set you camera on manual and bracket your shots accordingly. You will have sufficient time for this.

You didn't mention what type of lens you will be using. This will make a difference as well. I have a 70-300 zoom for which I purchase a solar filter. I will be shooting with the lens at 300mm on a tripod and the solar filter in place leading up to and after totality. At totality I plan to remove the filter and shoot for the corona.

Another option not yet mentioned is a Canon SL1. The body is a shade over 13oz in weight. Coupled with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens (weight a shade over 22 oz) you very capable system.

My granddaughters are competitive dancers and I shoot a lot of competitions and recital, neither of which allow flash photos. This combination has worked amazing will under difficult lighting situations with moving subjects.

This combo will cost you half your budget and weigh less than 2 1/2 pounds. It would be worth a look.