What if scenario, wedding photography

[ozimax]

G'day all:

Have a number of weddings booked for this year, I think I'm starting to enjoy it. I'm working with my Canon mate Anthony so far at each wedding, he does medium format/35mm, and I do digital. Surf/landscape photography etc etc just doesn't bring in enough money at present. A few weddings a month would definitely bring in some needed cash, in addition to all the other stuff I fill my life up with.

Here's my question: If I decide to do a bit more wedding photography on the side (and there's plenty of work around up here on the north coast), according to the advice on this forum, I will need another camera body as a bare minimum. Will a D200 fit the bill, coupled with 18-200 lens? Or maybe 50mm 1.4? Or 85mm or 105mm? I only have D70 with kit lens at present.

Money is not abundant, but I'm prepared to invest a little if I end up going this way.

Any advice appreciated.

Max

[xerubus]

Second body is an absolute must! D200 would fit the bill quite nicely.... as would a second d70 body.

as far as lenses go put a 50mm or 85mm on one body, and perhaps a wider lens on the other, such as a 24mm.

I use a 24-70 2.8 on one body and a 70-200 2.8 on the other... but that's just the setup that works for me.. may be different for yourself.

cheers

[shutterbug]

Second body is an absolute must! D200 would fit the bill quite nicely.... as would a second d70 body.

as far as lenses go put a 50mm or 85mm on one body, and perhaps a wider lens on the other, such as a 24mm.

I use a 24-70 2.8 on one body and a 70-200 2.8 on the other... but that's just the setup that works for me.. may be different for yourself.

cheers

Totally agree with xerubus.

[ozimax]

I'm happy to keep using the current D70 with kit lens, it is a good all round lens, most probably as the back up. Maybe D200 with 85mm (or second hand D70) would fit the bill.

[shutterbug]

If you invest in the D200, it will be your main camera, trust me

[ozimax]

I understand D200 is in very short supply as present, however, there's no hurry with me at present. I definitely would not progress into anything serious until I have a second camera body.

[shutterbug]

You can get 2 D70 for the price of the D200. The D70 will do the job will no problems.

[myarhidia]

Agree with Xerebus 100%, I use a similar setup myself.

You don't mention flash. Have at least 1 decent one e.g. SB800.

[Hudo]

I use a D70 & a D70s body for weddings. One with a 50mm f1.4 prime and the other with the 80~200 f2.8. The SB800 is a must. Having 2 camera's saves in lens changes but also provides you with peace of mind if one camera fails their is a backup and or if a card becomes corrupt you still have some shots of a particular event in the wedding.

If I had a D200 I would be using the 50mm prime on it as my main camera. D70's do the job well and with a little PS skills you'll be well set. Lot's of storage space and I was silly enough to buy a Nikon Cool Walker but again peace of mind having a backup. Also spare CF cards come in handy.

Mark

[Matt. K]

ASecond D70 with a 50mm f1.4 and a f2.8 wide angle zoom and a second SB800 are the go.

[Geoff]

I use two D70 bodies when I shoot a wedding.
I have one SB800 and I have the 70-200VR 2.8 on one body and usually either the 17-55DX or the 50mm 1.4 on the other body. Hope this helps.