New body or lens?

[thomo79]

Ok a bit of background info first. I'm a wedding photographer, I've photographed 5 weddings so far, so very much new to the profession. About 5 months ago I had to sell my backup camera (Nikon D5100) for financial reasons.

My current equip list is:

Nikon D7000
Nikon 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G AF-S VR II
Nikon 35mm 1.8
accessories...tripod etc...

Now I've got £1000 to spend and I'm torn between getting a new body for a backup (not sure which one yet) or a new lens. I'd love to be able to get a faster lens, maybe the 24-70mm 2.8 (if I find a very good deal).

Now I know I need a backup camera for weddings but I also know a faster lens is also important so I don't know which to choose. Your view and any equip suggestions would be gratefully received.

 

[badboy1984]

If £1000 is your budget then consider the following:

Back up body i would say go for something like a used D300 or used D200 if you want to cut cost.

Lens: For cheap i would say go for a used Tamron 17-50 f2.8 or if you have abit more budget, then go for a used Nikon 28-70 f2.8 or a Nikon 17-55 f2.8

For wedding you will use those lens more then anything.

If you not already got a flash gun then invest on that as well.

 

[mark1616]

Both, IMHO you can't take money off people as a wedding photographer unless you have the kit to do the job. You need to have a backup of everything you can't shoot without so that would be both body, lens and flash. Memory, batters etc should also be spare.

In your situation I would be going with a Tamron 17-50 and also a body that allows you to work in the desired light conditions. I would also be selling the 18-200 to get something better quality it's really not a pro level lens.

My theory is if you are doing a job and being paid then invest otherwise you will lose out in the long run and not be able to give the customers what they pay for.... a bad rep is hard to get away from. Having something go down during a wedding and you get no photos isn't going to go down well.

 

[thomo79]

thanks guys. I'm looking at getting a D300, then researching the sigma/tamron lenses. Probably going to push the budget slightly but as you said Mark, you need to invest.