Renting lenses? Good idea? Recommendations? So I've got a shoot planned for September and was thinking about maybe renting a couple of Canon L series EF mount lenses. Has anyone here...

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

So I've got a shoot planned for September and was thinking about maybe renting a couple of Canon L series EF mount lenses. Has anyone here done something similar and what was the expectation vs reality? Which company did you rent from and would you rent from them again?

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

I have rented from lensrental.com and was very satisfied. The equipment looked brand new and worked flawlessly. Getting and returning the lens was easy. It is not cheap but much cheaper than buying a new lens.

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

SteveInConverse wrote:

So I've got a shoot planned for September and was thinking about maybe renting a couple of Canon L mount lenses. Has anyone here done something similar and what was the expectation vs reality? Which company did you rent from and would you rent from them again?

I second this recommendation, I have rented from them also and the process couldn’t be easier.

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

Awesome! Thank you for the feedback.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I've rented from LensRentals repeatedly. One lens I liked so much, I purchased from them rather than sending back.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

Joining the chorus of recommending LensRentals. I have rented both lenses and bodies from them. Easy to do and as noted but not real cheap. HOWEVER - in a couple of occasions it saved me from buying a body I found not to be what I wanted and another time helped me to decide to go ahead with a purchase. The lens worked perfectly and the entire process was easy from beginning to end.

donphotog

Another recommendation for lensrentals.com. Easy to deal with, equipment (lens and/or body) in new condition and carefully packed. They have a “keeper” program allowing you to buy some rented items. They are a superb outfit.

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

Thank you everyone.

horizonphototours Loc: From Montana but living in Southern Utah

I've rented many lenses and have used borrow lenses.com only, but it's been the same experience as everyone else here. Great quality, easy shipping and can even ship to a UPS store. My last trip I shipped a lens to a UPS store and saved 2 days of rental costs.

mr1492 Loc: Newport News, VA

Remember to get the insurance on the lenses you rent. While you probably won't need it, if you don't and you damage or lose the lens, it will be pricy.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Just being redundant... Lensrentals in TN seems to be THE place !

SteveInConverse Loc: South Texas

Thanks again!

Walkabout08

SteveInConverse wrote:

So I've got a shoot planned for September and was thinking about maybe renting a couple of Canon L series EF mount lenses. Has anyone here done something similar and what was the expectation vs reality? Which company did you rent from and would you rent from them again?

Lens rentals is who I’ve used the few times I’ve rented lenses. Highly recommend them.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Revet wrote:

I have rented from lensrental.com and was very satisfied. The equipment looked brand new and worked flawlessly. Getting and returning the lens was easy. It is not cheap but much cheaper than buying a new lens.

I just visited their website about a week ago. Thinking of a try before I buy type thing. I can rent what I want for a week for what the sort of local camera store near me wants for a day. (not including shipping & insurance, didn't look into that part of it)
I think it is a great idea if your use of expensive lenses will be very limited & your on a budget.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

tcthome wrote:

I just visited their website about a week ago. Thinking of a try before I buy type thing. I can rent what I want for a week for what the sort of local camera store near me wants for a day. (not including shipping & insurance, didn't look into that part of it)
I think it is a great idea if your use of expensive lenses will be very limited & your on a budget.

Local camera stores will likely always be significantly more expensive than “lensrentals” or “borrowlenses,” unless you know or have something on the store owner. Also, if you enter “lensrentals.com/podcast,” you’ll get 10% off your rental.