Hohoho

Going on a big trip!

Lens Rental Companies...

Thought I might try before I buy. And should I get insurance?

Which are the good, bad and the ugly?

:-)

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

The prices many lens rental company's want for a 1 week rental, I have found it is cheaper to buy a lens, use it for as long as I want, then sell it on ebay or Craigs List. Their weekly rental is atrocious!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

There are mainly two, LenRentals, and Borrow Lenses.
I've used both for weddings.
First, they need to have what you want in stock for when you need it.
If they both have what you need, then go with the cheapest price.
If that is the same, then go with the cheapest shipping!! The shipping can be VERY different, look ay that carefully.
Good luck. ;-)
SS

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Jared Polin (The Fro) highly recommends one of your suggestions:

http://www.borrowlenses.com

Hohoho

Great! The lense I'm looking at is $1700!

MrT Loc: Gilbert, AZ

"Moose" Peterson has advertising for borrowlenses on his website and I think I have seen where he also recommends them.

Burkard01 Loc: SW Michigan, USA

I've used Lensgiant.com. Rates were reasonable for what I wanted and they work well. Gave me a 10% discount on my next order.

CO

I've rented from LensRentals numerous times. I've been very impressed. They clean every item after it comes back to them, With their DSLR cameras they clean the sensor so you know you won't have sensor spots. They include a pre-paid shipping label to make returns easy. I don't have experience with Borrow Lenses but they may also be good.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

LensRentals recently started a Keepers program, where if you rent a lens and like it, you can buy it and credit most of the rental towards the purchase. If I were in your shoes and was serious about buying, it's the best of both worlds.

amehta Loc: Boston

I have used LensProToGo several times, always satisfied. I do get the insurance, it adds about 10% to the rental price but means I don't have to worry.

smitty765 Loc: Florence, MT

I just rented the Tamron 150-600mm lense from LensRental for a week and it was very reasonable. They had a special going that if your rental started on a Monday or a Tuesday, you received a 10% discount.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

a friend always rents it from..B & H never had a problem

Tom S. Loc: Hillsboro, Ore.

You don't say where you live, but if you're in or near a city of any size, check with local vendors. I live near Portland, Ore., and rent frequently from Pro Photo Supply who are nearby. Their prices are good and the service is wonderful. I often rent a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II. It costs thirty bucks a day, but if I rent it for a weekend they only charge one day's rent and I get to use it from Thursday afternoon until Monday morning. When I've rented for longer periods they have given me a discount. Their menu is extensive.

http://www.prophotosupply.com/p-rental.htm

Insurance? Check your homeowners/renters policy. I was a homeowners claim adjuster for about fifteen years for a big insurance company. Our regular policy covered "personal property owned or used by an insured while it is anywhere in the world". We paid claims on rented property all the time. There were limitations if it was being used for business, and it only covered standard perils such as fire, theft, wind, etc., but not if you dropped it or otherwise just broke it. Your policy is likely similar, but you should always read it carefully.