So, what do you use your second body for?

I've just made the big jump to FF and now I'm considering parting with my XTi. I don't see a reason for me to own a 2nd body since I'm just a enthusiast and look at photography as a hobby, albeit a serious one. The idea of carrying around my telephoto on my XTi along with my standard zoom on the 5D sounds enticing but I honestly don't see the need for that. I suppose the loss of the crop factor is the only thing that I'm worried about but even then I doubt that I will miss the extra reach that much and I could use the money gained from selling my XTi to buy a prime (I'm currently primeless).

I've pretty much decided that I will go ahead and sell the XTi but before I did I wanted to hear what other POTN members used their 2nd bodies for and what their justifications for having one were just so I don't end up regretting this a month or so from now.

Thanks in advance, guys.

Like most things about photography, it really depends on your personal needs.
If you are into macro/landscapes or just don't like carrying a lot of gear, then one body will be fine. If you are into events or sports or wedding where things change fast so you don't have time to change lenses or just hate changing lenses to get different compositions then a two body system is a better way. Also those that make money from shooting like to have a back up, just in case.

Backup - actually, I have multiple backups, but that's neither here or there. There's nothing worse than planning a vacation or a trip around photography and then have your only body crap out on you. Besides, wide on one body and telephoto on the other gives you great walkaround versatility.

Mark

There are some advantages to a crop camera that you may want to keep in mind. I like the added apparent focal length and the greater DOF (apparent) in macro's. It's also useful when I have a dedicated macro setup on one camera and see a humming bird fly by. It takes too long to switch lenses and I usually get dust on the sensor in my haste. The downside, of course, is that I have to tote around two cameras.

And if always helps to have a back-up. My 5D is getting serviced by Canon right now, but I still can go shoot if I want.

As from 2 weeks from now. Infrared photography

I shoot in an extremely dusty environment. I can use 2 lenses with no lense changing.

Door stop. I am so glad I upgraded from the XTs. The 1 series are way heavier and a red brick in my bag would just look ridiculous.

I kept my D60 after buying a 20D. My wife uses it and it's also my backup camera in case the 20D fails...

I also just recently went from an XT to a 5D. Kept the XT as a backup because with the XTi out, old XTs aren't worth a lot. Nice to know I have the backup should it be needed and from some of the postings on this and other forums, it would appear that having a backup is a good thing.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

I keep the 24-70 on my 5D at all times during a wedding and the 70-200 on the 20D for close-ups. It saves me so much time.

I keep my 10D basically as an emergency backup. It came in handy already when I had to send my 5D into Canon. I wasn't DSLR less during those 10 days and it helps me remember how darn good my 5D is

This is funny to me, because you just spent $2700 on a camera and are now wondering if you should keep a $600 camera? If you are just a hobbiest, the XTi seems more like a rational choice?

I say keep it, because the XTi is nice to have to extend the reach of your lenses. Plus, it's a nice travel camera when you don't feel like lugging around $3000+ worth of equipment around your neck.

300 prime

70-200

24-70

24-105

85 1.8

Depending on the sport pick a combination of 2 from above--shaken not stirred!

I use my 400mm 5.6 L on the XTi and use the 5D for my other lenses. Works for me well.

I have my second body work for me when I don't feel like it.