Backup body or new lens?

Here is the deal. My backup body, 50D, failed and is going to be replaced by Best Buy. I can either apply the $1550 to the 7D or use it towards lenses. The 50D was the backup to my 5Dmk2.

I have actually been doing more Senior portraits and Maternity work than weddings this year.

I usually rent extra gear for weddings anyway so if I need to rent a 40D or something for a wedding that wouldn't be to big of a deal.

Question: Should I consider the 35L instead of a backup? I havea 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 right now with no lens wider than 50. This works since most of my work is portraits right now.

Suggestions?

A professional needs two cameras, as you've seen by the failure of your main body. If a camera fails at a portrait session it's not the end of the world, but it reflects badly on you. Get the camera. Even a 2nd hand 5D classic would be fine if it really is a backup.

I shoot with two cameras, identical bodies makes things easier.

For weddings I think professionals should have a wide angle lens, ie 16mm or so. Sometimes you're stuck in a small room when it rains, you have to be able to get the shot no matter what.

I agree with Tim 100%.

personaly i would get the Lens, and then pay the $700 to buy a referbished body

LONDON808 wrote in post #12928703
personaly i would get the BEST Lens EVER MADE, the 35L, and then pay the $700 to buy a referbished body

fixed it for ya!

my advice: if you're going to have 700 left over for a backup body, add a few more hundred and get a 5d classic to back up your 5d mkii.

If it's solely for backup (and not actively used as a secondary body) then just get something decent that is cheap, like a 40D or even a Rebel. Having two bodies is NOT EVEN AN OPTION.

ps... I don't like the 35L. LOL.

I can always rent or borrow another body. I am concerned that I might find that the 35l maybe not be wide enough. I am also kicking around these options.

1) 24-70
2) 24-105
3) 17-40 and 135l
4) 17-40 and 100l macro.

Thought?

dmbpettit wrote in post #12953550
I can always rent or borrow another body.

Rent or borrow it when you're at a wedding and in the middle of the ceremony your body dies?

timnosenzo wrote in post #12954831
Rent or borrow it when you're at a wedding and in the middle of the ceremony your body dies?

I always rent extra equipment for weddings. I usually have 2 extra bodies.

dmbpettit wrote in post #12955525
I always rent extra equipment for weddings. I usually have 2 extra bodies.

I think he meant that the OP will rent/borrow one at the time his main body dies - i.e. call up the rental place in mid-ceremony

I am swinging back to the idea of getting the 7D so that I have a backup in my bag. It's just tough to know that I have an opportunity to get new lenses that I would use a whole lot more than a backup body.

dmbpettit wrote in post #12958229
I am swinging back to the idea of getting the 7D so that I have a backup in my bag. It's just tough to know that I have an opportunity to get new lenses that I would use a whole lot more than a backup body.

you might use it more than you think, as it will basically also make your 85 a 135, etc..

but if you already rent stuff for weddings, and you don't do them that often;
i would personally build your gear up so that you own what you need/want for senior/maternity photos
then rent a 7D (or whatever) when you have a once in a lifetime type of gig.

jerrybsmith wrote in post #12928024
I agree with Tim 100%.

Agreed

If your shootin for money you should have the right equipment. Even a rebel would bail your butt out should you have an issue. You can grab a used rebel for $200.00-250.00. I had one glued to my hip for one wedding season with a 50mm 1.4 attached. It did a great job.

You really need both body and lens so spend the bucks wisely.

bigarchi wrote in post #12958417
you might use it more than you think, as it will basically also make your 85 a 135, etc..

but if you already rent stuff for weddings, and you don't do them that often;
i would personally build your gear up so that you own what you need/want for senior/maternity photos
then rent a 7D (or whatever) when you have a once in a lifetime type of gig.

If I decide to build up my gear, what are your thoughts on a 35L or 24-70L?

dmbpettit wrote in post #12966632
If I decide to build up my gear, what are your thoughts on a 35L or 24-70L?

since the last 24-70 i had left me quite unsatisfied (bad copy) I'd go 35L haha
but i know it was a bad 24-70 and not indicative of their real value.
anyway, 35L is probably the next lens I'm going to get. and you seem to favor primes so..
it obviously won't be as versatile at a wedding, in terms of range, but will be more so as its obviously a wider aperature!