About renting lenses....
May 7, 2014 12:34:01 #
jerryc41 wrote:
So you want to rent a lens to try it and decide whether or not to buy it? The rental period might not be long enough to fully evaluate it. If there is a particular lens or focal length you're considering, read reviews and ask for opinions here. Then look for a refurb, or possible, a used one.
A refurb will come with a warranty and be in good condition. With a used lens, you get a lower price, but you take your chances.
A refurb will come with a warranty and be in good condition. With a used lens, you get a lower price, but you take your chances.
Thank you Jerry. I haven't gotten as far as checking the companies but length of time has been a concern. I would steer clear of of plain "used", even from a friend actually (too many horror stories). I nervously bought a couple of refurbs (not camera-related) and have been comfortable so that could be an option. Yes, I will ask. This blog is part of my daily study!
May 7, 2014 12:35:25 #
photeach wrote:
Lensgiant.com
I have rented 4 or 5 times from them and have never been disappointed. The shipping and handling fee seems high ($18) but that is shipping to AND from you. You just have to put the lens back in the LowePro bag and rearrange the packing material. They ship via FedEx. Is there an office close to you?
I have rented 4 or 5 times from them and have never been disappointed. The shipping and handling fee seems high ($18) but that is shipping to AND from you. You just have to put the lens back in the LowePro bag and rearrange the packing material. They ship via FedEx. Is there an office close to you?
That cost for something as tender as a lens doesn't sound bad at all! thanks for the $ info. Tangible comparison
May 7, 2014 12:36:54 #
MtnMan wrote:
My friend in Florida says there is a Lens Depot near Orlando. Not too close but not completely far.
YAY!! someone local (Orlando trek not great. Hope on my side!) !! Will check them out for sure!
May 7, 2014 12:38:22 #
sb wrote:
I have used The Lens Depot in Orlando several times with good experiences -AND - you can pick up lenses in Tampa! Check them out at: http://www.thelensdepot.com/
THANKS! Tampa could be good place to start--better drive from here. Glad you had good experiences!
May 7, 2014 12:38:53 #
You can rent lenses from 3 days too a month+ it all depends on your need and your budget.
I typically rent for 10 days with delivery mid week, that gives me two weekends to test out and around 5 to 6 sessions. That usually is enough time to test a lens and see if it will work with my style of shooting.
I typically rent for 10 days with delivery mid week, that gives me two weekends to test out and around 5 to 6 sessions. That usually is enough time to test a lens and see if it will work with my style of shooting.
May 7, 2014 12:40:02 #
planepics wrote:
I've considered, but haven't yet, i asked about if they give rent credit toward a purchase and they said no...i might still do it at some point...maybe a 24-70.
I wondered about that too--rent-to-buy. Who did you try?
May 7, 2014 12:43:10 #
Annie_Girl wrote:
You can rent lenses from 3 days too a month+ it all depends on your need and your budget.
I typically rent for 10 days with delivery mid week, that gives me two weekends to test out and around 5 to 6 sessions. That usually is enough time to test a lens and see if it will work with my style of shooting.
I typically rent for 10 days with delivery mid week, that gives me two weekends to test out and around 5 to 6 sessions. That usually is enough time to test a lens and see if it will work with my style of shooting.
Thanks Annie Girl. Yes I could include a dance weekend and enough time for personal study--or plan for a month when dances are back-to-back. While thinking about it can one rent flash? I don't think my 430 is enough; not sure want to spend on the 600.
May 7, 2014 12:57:55 #
dancing2flower wrote:
Thanks Annie Girl. Yes I could include a dance weekend and enough time for personal study--or plan for a month when dances are back-to-back. While thinking about it can one rent flash? I don't think my 430 is enough; not sure want to spend on the 600.
You can rent pretty much anything you can think of from the big photography rental companies. I have rented Ice Lights, extra lights and light stands, and underwater housings.
May 7, 2014 18:17:59 #
dancing2flower wrote:
I wondered about that too--rent-to-buy. Who did you try?
I don't recall who it was, but I just called and asked about it. I haven't tried renting any lenses from anyone yet. My local camera store rents, but I think the prices are steep (like everything else they sell) and they have almost no Sony equipment. If I try renting, it eill be from Lensrentals or Borowlenses (one or the other of them merged with anotther company recently so the name might have changed.
May 7, 2014 18:45:58 #
dancing2flower wrote:
Thank you SS. Is the deposit like an insurance-return fee? Hopefully I will be near the rental! Have not had time to investigate yet.
For me deposit is a big consideration. My local pro store, 8 miles away has reasonable rates, but their deposit policy is, "A deposit equal to the estimated replacement cost of the Equipment is required for customers without an established credit account, or as Pro Photo Supply otherwise requires." So... I can rent a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR II for 30 bucks a day, but I need to have $2400 ready cash for deposit. :roll: :shock:
May 7, 2014 19:13:42 #
OddJobber wrote:
For me deposit is a big consideration. My local pro store, 8 miles away has reasonable rates, but their deposit policy is, "A deposit equal to the estimated replacement cost of the Equipment is required for customers without an established credit account, or as Pro Photo Supply otherwise requires." So... I can rent a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR II for 30 bucks a day, but I need to have $2400 ready cash for deposit. :roll: :shock:
Borrowlenses and other larger online rental companies do not require deposits. :-)
May 7, 2014 20:09:52 #
dancing2flower wrote:
Thank you SS. Is the deposit like an insurance-return fee? Hopefully I will be near the rental! Have not had time to investigate yet.
Yes, the deposit would be for the return. For damage, you can purchase the insurance.
I have never rented more than $2000 of merchandise, and for that have never paid a deposit. I was told by them, once it gets to about $3k, they start charging a deposit. I dont know how much value they require in deposit.
I just rented a Canon 600 RT. w RT trigger.
That flash is the most awesome flash in the universe. I used it straight up on ettl, and in 1500 shots, I think I had 3 shots that had a little blow-out. And we're talking lots of white, dresses and shirts, and lots of black suits. All of it has texture. It was a dimly lit hall. I was blown away by that flashes performance!! :thumbup:
The shipping R/T was $35. That seems steep, as they are only 50 miles away(BorrowLenses, SF)but that's WAY cheaper than me trying to pick up. ;-)
SS
May 8, 2014 00:19:41 #
OddJobber wrote:
For me deposit is a big consideration. My local pro store, 8 miles away has reasonable rates, but their deposit policy is, "A deposit equal to the estimated replacement cost of the Equipment is required for customers without an established credit account, or as Pro Photo Supply otherwise requires." So... I can rent a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR II for 30 bucks a day, but I need to have $2400 ready cash for deposit. :roll: :shock:
hmm. yes that will be a consideration. Thanks for your experience. Hope I find one not as costly.
May 8, 2014 00:20:22 #
Annie_Girl wrote:
Borrowlenses and other larger online rental companies do not require deposits. :-)
Good news! Thanks Annie Girl!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.