Do you carry more than 1 body in your kit? Why?

[Eyad]

Hi All,

These days I can see more than a photographer carrying 2-3 cameras in their bags.

looking at the fact that this is a costly thing to do + extra weight in your bag... Do you carry a 2nd body with you? Why would you do that instead of just carrying one?

[kirbinster]

Many times I will take two bodies with a different lens on each body. That way I don't have to change lenses in the field and am always ready go different types of shots.

[LoveDSLR]

Many photographers like to carry a backup or alternative lens body. While others carry a faster fps, higher MP or different format (e.g., Medium Format) body.

In the old days, I carried two Nikon SLRs and a Hasselblad. Now I switch between a pair of Nikons and Canons.

[RexK_Cozumel]

I carry two bodies with me a lot of time for shoots because it is just a pain to have to stop to switch lenses. It is even more important to have two bodies when shooting in fast paced events like on safari or a wedding or at a sports event. If you have to stop to switch lenses you will miss a lot of shots. And a backup body is always a good thing in case something happens to the main camera.

If I am just on a casual photowalk however I will not carry two cameras. Usually just the D700 and 24-70 f2.8. If I see something that I really want to photograph and I dont have the right gear I wll come back another day to get the shot.

[sk66]

Not generally, but I would for any fast paced assignment where you have to deliver the shots and time to switch lenses isn't guaranteed.

I often carry my G10 compact when out on shoots carrying the D300 with a big lens attached. I'll use the G10 for shots I can't get with the 500mm, scenics, closeups, etc...I usually also carry a 10-20, 28-70, 80-200 lens but usually I find it much more convenient/ quicker to grab the G10.

For normal wanderings I will usually just carry the G10. For specific shots, I'll carry whatever suits best.
At present I don't have 2 DSLR bodies, I just can't justify it to myself (although I do keep thinking about a D3 upgrade). Back in the days of film, 2 bodies was almost a minimum requirement but not with digital.

[OsmosisStudios]

I almost always carry a second body: It's an FE from '78. Having to lug film around can be a pain, but its still fun to have both mediums!

[autofocus]

Well, it depends. If we're on a job we definitely have both with us. You can't afford a failure when you're hired to do an event. My wife and I both shoot, and if were out fun shooting we also have both, and often with all the lenses. Our bag weighs in around 35 lbs

Vinnie

[sarahgirl777]

If I'm traveling or just out for myself, I usually bring just one. But for weddings or other shoots I will take both. Same reasons as others, so you don't have to change lenses and incase of a failure of one.

[Eyad]

I see...

So it mostly have to do with assignments or fast paced scenes...
Then I guess my one body will do for now

[jdepould]

Two reasons: redundancy and frame size. If I need more reach, I've got the D300; if I need to be wide or have night-vision, I've got the D700.