carry two cameras or use one as a backup

Not sure if I posted this in the right area, but I think it fits.

Anyway, I am shooting a charity event this weekend for a well known organization. I am volunteering my time because I think it is a good cause and a goot networking opportunity, I know some of you may disagree with doing that, but either way, it's besides the point.

Right now, I have two bodies, a 5dii and a 7d. With the 5diii with my 24-70, am I better off also carrying the 7d with me with another lens like the 70-200, or am I better off leaving it as a backup. Is it necessary to carry two cameras? The shot list they gave me asks for more specific shots of guests taking part in certain things and for those I will definitely use the 24-70.

What about for when speakers are presenting? Is it better to stand from afar and shoot with the 70-200 and high iso or use my 24-70 w ocf and kind of stand in front of the crowd (not sure how the banquet will be set up so I dont know how appropriate that will be). I dont think it will be necessary to have speedlights around the room as this banquet hall tends to be well lit.

what do you guys think? any opinions are appreciated. i'm leaning more towards one camera and switching lenses when necessary

-Oren

Two bodies should be a minimum for event photography, in my opinion. It might seem like you'll have time to change lenses on the fly but I can almost guarantee missed shots in that instance.

It doesn't matter. Either way, if you have two cameras with you, one is the backup if one or your primary fails.

Why wouldn't you use 2 bodies at the same time? if one fails, you can swap bodies immediately. How else would you operate this? keep 1 body in a corner as a just-in-case and keep swapping lenses on your 1 'working' body? That seems silly.

I carry two on me and keep a third in the bag.

...really it comes down to what you are most comfortable with and how you shoot. There really isn't a single answer.

But if you decide to use one camera and change lenses: sometimes you get caught and you don't have time to change lenses. Lets say you've got the long lens on: then suddenly the host points out someone in the audience...who happens to be standing right next to you. They are in the "spotlight" for about thirty seconds while everyone claps and he looks embarrassed, then its back to the stage again. If you shoot with one camera and swap lenses you risk missing moments like that. I shoot with two cameras: with the BlackRapid Doublestrap so I can walk around with both and swap them quickly if I have to.

I'm confused by your use of the term back up.
If it's not there, is it back up?
If it is there, put a lens on it and shoot! then you have it should you need back up.

I agree with your plan to put the 70-200mm on the 7D and shoot with it.
Two bodies in action is also back up when you actually need it!

Me personally, I would have both bodies with me with a lens mounted on each. As was already said, you may think you have time for lens changes and such, but you can lose shots while you are changing lenses or lose shots by not having the right lens mounted and candid event photography is very fast moving with limited time to react.

Isn't this the way solo act wedding photographers operate? 2 bodies, 1 long range lens and a short range lens on the other.

grfft3r wrote in post #15843590
Isn't this the way solo act wedding photographers operate? 2 bodies, 1 long range lens and a short range lens on the other.

I do 35mm and 85mm or 135mm. Just my style with one photographer or two .

thanks everyone! lots of good points here.

I think that, like CyberDyne said, theres no right answer really.

Given, I think I'll put the 70-200 on the 7D and keep it with me.

Two bodies with lens mounted is what I have sometimes done even when traveling. Keeps the dust out of the sensor and avoids the aggravation of changes lenses.

For a portrait I keep the backup somewhere handy but not on me, for a wedding I have the second body on me or with my 2nd shooter. Having a 3rd isnt a bad idea. I know one guy that does weddings that keeps a film slr with loads of film just in case. Good if there is ever an emp.

I always shoot with two bodies, mainly so I don't have to change lenses as frequently, and I keep a 3rd body in my bag as a "just in case" backup. One thing I've always been a little paranoid about shooting with two bodies though, is that it's putting all your eggs in one basket. Both can be destroyed simultaneously if you take a bad spill or fall into a fountain or something. Not that I ever plan on that happening [knocks on wood], but it's an unnerving thought.

^ If you leave your "backup" in a bag or case that is not attached to your person, it could be stolen, which is probably more likely than falling into the fountain with both bodies like that one dude... lol