Buying advice
A second body as backup for paid work
On a paid job, a backup body is a must. Which second body to choose and what to check when you buy one used.
On a paid job, a backup isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. A second body has your back if something fails and also gives you a second focal length at hand.
Consistency and speed
What we dread most on a job is gear failure. If your main body breaks, you have to carry on immediately. Ideally, your second body is the same brand with controls as similar as possible, so you don't have to hunt for buttons.
Good options from my stock:
- Canon EOS R6 and R6 Mark II – reliable professional cameras. The R6 Mark II has higher resolution and better video, the R6 is still a very robust choice.
- Sony A7 IV – a great all-rounder with excellent autofocus.
- Nikon Z6 II – a solid full-frame backup for the Nikon system.
- Canon EOS R7 – a smaller, lighter backup with an APS-C sensor.
Lenses and fast apertures
A second body isn't just a backup, it also expands your options. If you have a wide-angle lens on your main body, put a telephoto on the second one.
I have great Sony GM and Sigma lenses in stock. The Sony FE 35 mm f/1.4 GM is a versatile event and documentary lens with a bright aperture and great sharpness, and the 85 mm f/1.4 GM is the king of portraits. The main thing is to have working gear you know well.
Check before you buy
With a used body, always check:
- the condition of the sensor and weather sealing
- that all controls and functions work
- whether the original accessories and charger are included
- the shutter count – the lower it is, the more jobs the body still has in it.
Adapters between systems exist only for some combinations, and you often lose autofocus or stabilization. It's best to have a complete kit from one brand if you can.
Tell me what you shoot with as your main body – I'll match a backup to it.
