I am a rank amateur photographer and I take quite a lot of photos (around 1,500 to 2,000 per month). I am the de facto photographer for several music events in my area. (Note: I am frugal in not taking a lot of shots of the same thing.)

My current dilemma is this.

I am completely reliant on my Canon 80D, for which I have several nice lenses and I have been jonesing for a second 80D body and I found a great deal for a used one. The struggle is whether to pull the trigger on my retirement budget. (I can come up with the cash.)

It would mostly be a backup but would also occasionally be used for quick lens changes at various venues.

So, while I can come up with the cash, I am unsure whether I should.

I am sure that some of you here have found yourselves in a similar situation and my question to you is; how important is it to have a backup camera body in a situation such as I have described?

And, yes, I know, ultimately I have to make this decision. I am purely looking for advice from the experienced peeps here.

All the best and I love UHH.

Hey folks,
I am taking a 5 day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon next May. My hike will start from the North Rim. Since weight is going to be factor, I need to limit my camera equip to a backpack style tripod, a camera body, and 2 or 3 lenses. I have a Panasonic G5, which is older, but I like it. The question is which 2 or 3 lenses to take. I have the kit lens 14-42 and the 45-150, but I was thinking of adding a wide angle zoom. I have put aside a little cash for a new lens or lenses, around $1000. What do you guys who have been there recommend?

Hi jaymatt, thanks for the tips. I find the manual a challenge but still working on it! No way to watch videos tho - normally, no internet on the boat; on land for winter, in Alaska, now though so have limited net access & hoping to learns loads before spring. I am blessed to have a new Nikon D7200. Also, Chinese-made entry-level 18-140 DX VR & 55-300 DX VR lenses. No tripod, no ext flash, no QR shutter, no Photoshop. Am usually on the boat, cycle or walking, so tripod is a challenge. The camera most likely will always be better than I; the "glass", not so much maybe. Until a couple of months ago I had only ever used a point & shoot (a good one tho; Nikon AW1 with I/C lenses, which I love, especially when cycling around and I always use it in the sailboat's dinghy, as it's waterproof). I love shooting wildlife, flowers, glaciers, temples & shrines, kids, people having a blast at parades & festivals, rock bands and anything low light with no flash. I've been known to wait a long while for a wildlife shot, or even for an empty temple or building view, so it makes sense to make it a good one! Not so much interested in making videos.