renting an extra body for wedding

[Exposures]

I've been hired to shoot two weddings next weekend. I'm on a VERY tight budget, but I plan to rent a good lens and flash (I only have kit lens and pop up flash):

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens for Nikon
(Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens for Nikon Rentals)

And a Nikon SB600 speedlight flash

I thought I was set with that, but then I read something that has me thinkin 'what if something happens with my camera' and I'm not debating the pros and cons of renting another body.

I have a D40X which I've never been anything but happy with
and can rent a D50 for $37 for a week.

Pros:
My assistant (not professional, but good eye) can also help with shooting
There is a back up plan for the unexpected
I would probably rent an extra batter (for a third) just incase, so it isn't that big of a price jump.

Cons:
Budget
I have never used a D50 before

Are they similar in function? I usually shoot in RAW with the auto settings. I have never used a detachable flash. Is it difficult to learn? I plan to get it a few days extra to practice, but I know my pop-up flash is the biggest thing holding me back. I do A LOT of pp because I feel like it gives the images an extra sparkle. While I don't do much to the images, just a little touch up makes a world of difference to me.

Do you {pros} think that will be a decent set up for a beginner? Is it being obsessive thinking I might need an extra body? I've never had a problem with mine before.

I don't charge a lot (500-700) so I don't have much room for budgeting in extra's but I also understand how important it is to do the job not only well, but PERFECT.

You can get an idea of my work and skill level at Exposures Photography - Home

thanks for all of the input!

[jdepould]

Two bodies + one lens is a little pointless, and a 28-75 will be too long and too short, alternately.

Honestly, it looks like your biggest problem is posing/expression. You could shoot the whole thing with a 35 and a 50, but the expressions are killing the images.

[tasmo2]

You may want to move this to the general discussion forum... this is people show your stuff... which is where we post photos for people to look for, not ask for info. So probably that is why you are not getting many responses!

[Exposures]

Thank you. How do I move it?

To the previous post, I will have two lenses. One kit lens, and one I rent. All of the photos on my site were taken with a kit lens. What type of lens do you suggest? Or should I just stick with what I know?

[easyrider]

I think a moderator must move it, but I'm not sure on that.

First things first. In order to build (capture) something, you have to have the right tools to do it. No, you don't have to have the fanciest, newest, and greatest equipment out there, but you do need to have enough to get the job done. That being said...there are a few things you need for a wedding.

A camera with good ISO capabilities. That doesn't mean it has to be 102,400, but it should at least go to 1600 with decent results. My recommendation would be to rent a D90 or better body. LensRentals.com - Rent a Nikon D90

A fast lens ( f 2.8, or faster) that goes wide (17-24mm on a crop) and something with a "normal range" 24-40mm on a crop. You don't want to shoot portraits with a wide angle because of distortion. My recommendation is the 17-55mm f2.8 LensRentals.com - Rent a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 AF-S ED DX

A good speedlight/off camera lighting if possible: I have a couple of SB-600 which get the job done, but would love and SB-900 to get that extra boost of light. Go at least with an SB-600, and learn to bounce the light. LensRentals.com - Rent a Nikon SB-600 Flash

You should look into upgrading your equipment if you're going to offer weddings. If you're shooting one for someone you know, and you know where you're going to be shooting is lit well you're all set, but you will get very tricky lighting situations if you shoot a few weddings or more.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by tasmo2

You may want to move this to the general discussion forum... this is people show your stuff... which is where we post photos for people to look for, not ask for info. So probably that is why you are not getting many responses!

Moved.

Totally missed that bit.