Talk me out of a stupid idea: adding a 2nd 6D

So I've had my 6D for almost 3 years now, and I still love it. My 24-70ii lives on it, and that combo is what I reach for for "photographic outings" and pretty much covers all my needs there.

For street photography and traveling, I reach for one of my smaller cameras (I have an SL1 and some others). One reason is size, the other is I don't want something happening (such as damage, theft, etc) to my main camera, which is the 6D. I'm a bit OCD that way, I'll admit.

I have realized that the images I like to get while traveling do not differ much from my regular photographic style. I shoot a lot of people, a lot of low light stuff, and I do like a bit more DOF control. This is what originally got me to go to the 6D. And so I've kinda felt like I'd want a full-frame for traveling as well.

The only mirrorless full frame on the market is the Sony A7 series, so I have kind of looked into that. But then I've suddenly got a crazy idea. I had no idea 6D prices have come down as much as they have. A 6D + 40mm 2.8 combo would be fairly small/light and the 40mm focal length would cover most of my travel needs. And I shoot with an f/2.8 lens currently, so I know mostly it's fast enough thanks to the 6D's high iso capability. And pricewise would be on par with an A7 and prime.

Of course this whole idea is insane since I could just buy a 40mm 2.8 and use it with my current 6D! But there is just something mentally comforting to me about having a camera I can "dirty up" while traveling and another main camera sitting at home safely. So yea, I guess I just needed to hear from others as to what a bad idea this is, haha.

Just buy the 40mm. By the time your 6D is completely beat and abused, you can upgrade to the m2 or 5DIv or something better. They're tools not trophies. When the time comes you'll be happy you didn't buy a 2nd copy. Buy a 2nd body if you need a back up for a paid event.

I say go for it. I don't think it's crazy at all. It never hurts to have a backup.

My main camera is a 7Dii, my backup is a 7D, my backup backup is a 60D and my backup backup backup is a T2i. I also have three Casio MTG-900 solar atomic watches - one is my main watch and the other two are backups...

stevewf1 wrote in post #17775008
I say go for it. I don't think it's crazy at all. It never hurts to have a backup.

My main camera is a 7Dii, my backup is a 7D, my backup backup is a 60D and my backup backup backup is a T2i. I also have three Casio MTG-900 solar atomic watches - one is my main watch and the other two are backups...

Well I'm not a pro so I don't need a backup. And what you have makes a lot of sense, since you don't have two identical bodies

Insure your gear and relax

I think it's a dumb idea. Especially with the m2 coming out next year (supposedly).

Your camera can take a lot of abuse. I'd much rather spend that money on a new lens, or wait for the next model to come out and use your current one as the traveling camera.

Well I am somewhat in the same position as you. I would love a new camera body - either an upgraded 6D with better focus points or a new 5D. I love my 6D and will keep it in use but acquire another higher end body with improved action usage benefits. Since it seems obvious that Canon will be offering upgrades over the next 12 months to the 6D, 5D, 1DX I can easily wait to see what is coming.

Currently the 6D is at a fantastic price - especially refurbished as I got mine - and can understand the draw to adding another. Do you need an identical usage body or would it benefit you to have a second body that has other specific strengths?

Buying a second 6D would just mean a 2nd one to worry about. It's a camera, not museum piece. Eventually it will be worth $200 because all bodies do is depreciate and take photos.

Let me know if you're interedted in a mint, almost unused 40 pancake. I bought it to use on my 40D as a cheap set up that I wouldn't worry about getting stolen. I have no need since picking up a Fuji system.

40mm is nice. I would take him up on his offer.

If you're just traveling with one camera, then I'd say the 40mm makes sense. On the other hand, nothing wrong with having two 6Ds, especially considering the drop in price (both new & used).

For myself I'm thinking of getting another 6D. Then I'd have a 6D/24-70II and a 6D/70-200II. I would no longer have to swap lenses at events.
Yeah, carrying two bodies/lenses can be a hassle. But with the right carrying system it wouldn't be so bad.

Unless you get paid for what you do, I wouldn't purchase a 2nd copy of the same camera. Get another tool for your arsenal; a camera that does something a little different (i.e. FF vs Crop).
You already have the FF, get a 70D or 7DII instead.

i don't think you have enough lenses to spend money on another body instead of putting it into another lens

The Dark Knight wrote in post #17775009
Well I'm not a pro so I don't need a backup. And what you have makes a lot of sense, since you don't have two identical bodies

I'm not a pro either. Far from it. I just like to have backups...

stevewf1 wrote in post #17775966
I'm not a pro either. Far from it. I just like to have backups...

I think you just have trouble letting things go