Which back up camera makes the most sense?

Hey everyone,

I am looking to expand my gear since I want to start doing more than just automotive for now. I want to expand into weddings next year as well. Glass aside, I need another body. Not as a back up but something I can use in tandem with my 6D. Since I love to shoot primes (will be buying more) I'd love to switch cameras without compromise. I initially considered 7D, another 6D, 5D2, 5Dc.

7D: Great camera, but the ISO limitation are strongly discouraging me from going this route. I just wouldn't feel comfortable shooting a wedding with this especially since last wedding I was 99% of the time over ISO 1600 anyway.

6D: Can be found at quite a good price, even brand new. $1600 or so is fantastic, considering I spent $1800 here in Canada a year ago and that was when it was on sale as well, so easily saved $250 or so.

5D2: can be found for a great price, but I need to buy CF cards again. Used to own this before the 6D and loved it. Fantastic camera.

5Dc: produces amazing images for the age of the body. Only reservations are slow CF support and horrendous back screen. Also no easy pad or stick to change AF points, and no ISO button on top of the camera.

As of now, I'm leaning towards the 6D as I can have the same body and seamlessly switch bodies, especially when shooting 2 primes and don't want to fidget with settings. I considered 7D2 as a wild card, but with all the speculation I just can't reliably consider it unless its released soon at Photokina.

My long term plan would be to shoot dual 6Ds for a year or 2 then upgrade to new 5D3 or 5D4 when that comes out, add a 7D in the mean time as price is always plummeting.

Thoughts?

FF is great for weddings. You already have one FF and it would make sense to get another 6D: makes it easier to switch between two identical bodies with different lenses. On the topic of lenses, you mention preference of primes. I would still recommend considering a 70-200mm: gives you a great range for telephoto/portrait FLs: it's considered one of the main goto lenses for wedding photographers. The optics are pretty good for a zoom: I find one of the main advantages of some primes are AF speed.

Dual 6D's sounds like a good plan. Perhaps also add 24-70L <link>.

I'd go with either a 70D or a 6D, the other options wouldn't even be on my radar personally.

davesrose wrote in post #17126569
FF is great for weddings. You already have one FF and it would make sense to get another 6D: makes it easier to switch between two identical bodies with different lenses. On the topic of lenses, you mention preference of primes. I would still recommend considering a 70-200mm: gives you a great range for telephoto/portrait FLs: it's considered one of the main goto lenses for wedding photographers. The optics are pretty good for a zoom: I find one of the main advantages of some primes are AF speed.

bubbygator wrote in post #17126576
Dual 6D's sounds like a good plan. Perhaps also add 24-70L <link>.

Thanks guys! Yes zooms have their place. I'm so used to primes I dont ever worry about not getting the shot since I know how to move around. The 70-200 II will be added to the bag, but not this year. Need the funds to cover back up body and glass. Can't go all glass and no other body. If I wasn't interested in weddings the 70-200 II would have been my next purchase. I'm not sold on the 24-70 yet, I dont feel it offers thats special look I like. 35 prime is definitely one of my next purchases.

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #17126581
I'd go with either a 70D or a 6D, the other options wouldn't even be on my radar personally.

I'm so reluctant to go to crop. Even when I shoot with my EOS M, just hate the files. Not used to working with those files since FF has spoiled over the last few years.

Tony_Stark wrote in post #17126582
Thanks guys! Yes zooms have their place. I'm so used to primes I dont ever worry about not getting the shot since I know how to move around. The 70-200 II will be added to the bag, but not this year. Need the funds to cover back up body and glass. Can't go all glass and no other body. If I wasn't interested in weddings the 70-200 II would have been my next purchase. I'm not sold on the 24-70 yet, I dont feel it offers thats special look I like. 35 prime is definitely one of my next purchases.

I'd skip the 35mm and get a 24mm (if you don't have one yet) since it'd be super useful for your auto photography as well and I personally find the perspective more interesting than 35mm.

Tony_Stark wrote in post #17126585
I'm so reluctant to go to crop. Even when I shoot with my EOS M, just hate the files. Not used to working with those files since FF has spoiled over the last few years.

If that's the case, just get another 6D and stick with what you know

EverydayGetaway wrote in post #17126581
I'd go with either a 70D or a 6D, the other options wouldn't even be on my radar personally.

word

Sounds like another 6D is the way to go.

6D
35L or the Sigma 35
135L

if you were talking about outdoor shooting I would recommend a crop the compliment the FF, but you are not. For what you want to do I would say another 6D as well.

When you get your new 6D, don't forget the EG-S screen.

moltengold wrote in post #17126928
6D
35L or the Sigma 35
135L

Yup thats my plan. Looking at the 35 f2 IS for now. Just for when I need a wider look. Not a fan of the super wide in a prime. I just don't see myself needing a 24 prime when a 35 would do. I love the 50 focal length, and very very few situations where its too long.

Looks like my feelings have been confirmed and a 6D is the right choice

^ You may be sadly mistaken. I would never trade my 24L II for the 35L or equivalent.
I have tried both on my 6D, as I already owned the 24mm and 50mm at the time.
After a day walking around with a friend's 35L, and him with my 24L II
He bought a 24L