Camera & Lens Rentals

​I highly suggest that every serious photographer should set aside money to use toward camera and lens rentals. I have learned so much renting countless times over the years. Don't just rely on reviews, word-of-mouth, or anything else. See for yourself! Rent a lens or camera and design your own experiments based on your style of photography. You will discover many surprises along the way! And your opinion offerings will be truly informed.

I want to rent a 70-200 and pretend for that week I own one. haha. Or that new Profoto B1 head. haha. It is a great idea, and there are tons of rental websites now. Best to try before you buy. I've never been a big fan of reviews, except for the people on here. They know what they're doing, and give good advice.

I use reviews and word-of-mouth as rough guides. I won't buy until I've put my hands on the gear and put it through it's paces using my photographic styles and techniques, and rentals are perfect for personal reviewing.

nmccamy said:

​I highly suggest that every serious photographer should set aside money to use toward camera and lens rentals. I have learned so much renting countless times over the years. Don't rely on reviews, word-of-mouth, or anything else. See for yourself! Rent a lens or camera and design your own experiments based on your style of photography. You will discover many surprises along the way! And your opinion offerings will be a truly informed.

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I think you are dead on! Early mistakes I made for that new gotta have item ended up wasting money, in the long run if I had rented, it would have made a lot more sense. We don't even have a camera store where I live and it is quite a drive to get to one and renting is the best option, especially as the price of the equipment is getting sooooo expensive. I know my friend Helene is an avid lens renter before she buys. I don't even know how much money I have wasted but I have been buying photographic equipment since the late 60's and made numerous mistakes.

It also makes a lot of sense to rent that specialty lens/camera you need for a project (seldom use) than buying it and have it sit on a shelf.

I've used Borrow Lenses on a couple occasions to rent lenses. Of course I wanted to keep them!

I use http://www.lensrentals.com, but that's just my personal choice. I have also used other companies with equal success and satisfaction.

I want to rent that 600mm beast just to say I used it. lol. There is currently an ad for "Borrow Lenses.com" to my right as I'm typing this, haha.

I want to rent that 600mm beast just to say I used it. lol. There is currently an ad for "Borrow Lenses.com" to my right as I'm typing this, haha. 300$ a day for the 600mm. Yikes. Sure beats 19k

Mfrankfort said:

I want to rent that 600mm beast just to say I used it. lol. There is currently an ad for "Borrow Lenses.com" to my right as I'm typing this, haha. 300$ a day for the 600mm. Yikes. Sure beats 19k

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​Don't forget to eat your Wheaties in the morning!

haha. I'll bring my crane with me to help me compose the shot.