To all you lens renters ...

Agnieszka

... where do you rent your lenses? I want to try a new one, and thought I'd get some recommendations from you Aaaaaaanybody?

Thanks :lust

Qarik

borrowlenses.com

perfect service last time on the PC-45mm.

catspaw

there are several and if one isn't local to you, borrowlenses.com

even then, they are cheaper than the local place

cmkultradome

I don't shoot weddings but have been renting from www.lensrentals.com
for landscape and sports shooting. Have been very happy with them, used them at least 5 times so far and getting ready to rent again next month when I head out to the Southwest.

Stephanie

Photog4Christ

I rent from LensRentals.com. They're much cheaper than my local place! My local place requires a deposit equal to the actual cost of the lens!



*** In the interest of fairness and full disclosure: LensRentals.com now sponsors my SMUG Group, but they didn't at the time I posted this reply. ***

Darren Troy C

Angie, LensRentals.com, hands down. They're in Tenn. and not only have never had a problem with them on any level, but excellent customer service which is king in my book. Give them a try.

Matthew Saville

lensrentals.com, borrowlenses.com, lensprotogo.com, rentglass.com, ziplens.com

Those are all of the sites I know of. Some of them I have never heard any reviews from personally, except lensprotogo.com which my friends have used a lot. They all have various selections of lenses for you to choose from.

Personally I rent locally because I'm lucky enough to have a rental place a few mins from my house, and they don't put a hold on your credit card for the value of the equipment like Calumet and Samy's do.

(Pro Photo Connection in Irvine CA)

=Matt=

sdaztec25

I have had very good luck with Lens Pro to Go. www.lensprotogo.com

adpace

I would second or third lensrentals.com. I have rented many lenses from them and have never had an issue.

cletus

Just used borrowlenses.com for the first time last week. Completely happy.

cj99si

What lens

Agnieszka

Thanks so much you guys, you're the best.

I guess it ended up being a toss up between lensrentals.com, & borrowlenses.com and I went with BorrowLenses, mostly because I could find my lens faster (oh, and Corey - I got the 85mm /1.4, ... just had to try it, since I can't find the $$ right now to buy it ... since I don't *really* need it)

One more question. How long do you usually rent equipment for? It looks like it gets "cheaper" the longer you rent it for ... just wasn't really sure what to do as I only wanted to try the lens. I only got it for 3 days, will have it with me on 3 shoots, so it won't give me much room to play, but I guess I will get a tasty-taste.

Thanks again for your quick responses, I appreciate it

sweet caroline

I've rented for longer so I could get as much use as possible. I think 10 days or 2 weeks? I just bought the 85 1.4, and love it. I've rented the 24-70 several times, and found it very useful. I shoot far more portraits than wedding, though.

Caroline

cab.in.boston

FWIW, you could look into glassandgear.com (I have no affiliation with them) and you could pick up locally at Hunt's in Harvard Square or Kenmore Square (or other locations as well, see their website). There's a little price break for pickup vs. shipped, and you could have it sooner, if that matters to you. Obviously if you're planning out well in advance, the shipping time should be no problem. Anyway, just wanted to let you know that there is a local place that seems to get good reviews. I've never rented any gear, and I'm sure borrowlenses is wonderful, but they are 3k miles away as opposed to a short drive to a local place.

Cousin Madness

For those north of the border here in Canada, I cater to many wedding photographers.

We've tested a "wedding package" over the last 2 months (quietly with the locals) and it has been more than well received. The package includes a Canon 7D with grip, EF24-70f2.8L, EF70-200f2.8L & 580EXII flash for less than $200 (Can) for a 3 day weekend. This covers the most popular wedding days so it's possible to shoot two weddings and perhaps a portrait/engagement session on the Sunday for a very economical price.

Two of the four weekends in Sept are booked already. I think the US rental outlets should offer a similar service to Wedding photographers for it's a prolific industry. If nothing else, use the rental gear as your prime and own equipment as a back-up. I realize most pro's will want the full frame, but this package was simply a test. Adding the 5D MkII to the package would be an obvious next step.

Cheers.


Martin