1 vs. 2?

A 1DX and a 5D3?

If its over the budget, wait, save and then buy.

huntersdad wrote in post #17913084
I'm pretty sure I'm going to make the switch back to Canon from Nikon, mainly for one lens - the 135 f2. After selling off my Nikon Gear, I'll have about $10k with which to rebuild a kit for family portraits and some wedding/engagement work.

I know I'll be picking up a 24-70II and 70-200II, as well as the aforementioned 135. I'll also be adding a 600 ExRT or 2.

What I'm debating is whether I want a 1Dx or 2 5D3s. I like having a backup body and for any wedding it would be required. However, I think the files from the 1Dx are better and love the heavier, pro build quality as well as the higher ISO quality. I have ruled the 5D2 and 6D completely out.

Anyone have a suggestion on which route would be better?

2 new 5D Mark III's...Why?

Warranty
Nice deals on new bodies
No need to switch lenses
No time to switch lenses
Back up Body
Back up Body
Back up Body

One might want to throw a 5DsR into the mix, half the price of a 1DX II.

Actually a 1D4 and 5D3 would make great partners for the gigs mentioned. You get a bit more reach on the 1D4, you get roughly the same ISO performance, etc. This way your lenses will provide different views on 2 different sensor sizes without forgoing AF, build or ISO.

I would completely lug those 2 around as a paid wedding and event photographer.

If I was in your boat, I would wait for the 5D4 to be released, but if you're committed to buying now, this is a killer setup...

5D3 • $2100
6D • $1100
16-35 f/4 • $900
24-70 • $1400
70-200 • $1700
35 II • $1800
135 • $750
600EX • $450

Total • $10200

I would also recommend buying from the Canon refurbished store, which is where the prices come from. They often have 10% off sales so this would comfortably get you under $10k.

As the others have said, if you're doing weddings and other only-happens-once-and-can't-be-rescheduled events, then you need to carry a second camera.

Given the options you've presented I'd absolutely get two 5d3's instead of a single 1Dx. Or if you are dead set on the 1Dx just be sure you have something, anything, as a backup. Even if it's an old Rebel. But whatever you do, don't show up without a second body.

Personally I don't know why you wouldn't want to consider the 5d2 or 6D. Both are very good cameras and you'd have nothing to apologize for by showing up to a wedding either either of those as your primary.