Lens Rentals

[CaraRose]

Hi all...

I'm considering renting a few extra lenses for my trip to the smokies, so I can really make the most of things (and I figure it'll be a good way to know if I really want to get various lenses down the road).

Part of me is a bit nervous camping and hiking with rented lenses, but I think that's my anxiety disorder just rearing its head in.

I've been looking at lensrentals.com. I know some of you have used them. Do their lenses come with UV filters? Any problems with them?

[Anbesol]

Wow I've never visited that site, sounds like a good idea to me, I've got a trip coming up here soon and might rent out the 70-400g or the Tamron 200-500. I also see lots of weird things to rent on there, like 32" reflectors? Why rent that?

Sorry Im not of any real help.

[Frog]

To help put your anxiety disorder(of which I know a bit), I'd pay the few extra bucks to insure them, which I see is offered. I wouldn't consider renting an expensive lens without insuring it even if I only wanted to pull it out of a box and look at it.

[GB1]

I used them last Sept for a trip to Africa, renting an 80-400mm VR lens. They were great to deal with, their prices lower then the competition, and their policies quite fair - they didn't even charge me for the shipping time (either way, I don't believe). I think that they also have insurance for a additional modest fee. I would recommend them.

G

[mjs1973]

I have used Lensrentals.com twice now and I will use them again in the future. The first ime was for a couple lenses for my trip to South Africa. The 2nd time was about a month ago for a trip to northern MN. A great company with great customer service. I pay the little extra for the insurance but never needed it. The extra piece of mind is worth a few extra dollars. None of the lenses I rented came with UV filters on them. (I would have taken them off if they did.) Both times I have rented from them, the lenses came a day earlier than what I scheduled.

The only nit-pick I have about them is that it's not always convenient to be around when they deliver the lenses, and a signature is requires. Again, this is a nit-pick and not a big deal. Luckily for me, my parents live next door to me, and are usually around during the day so they can sign for the package for me. The nearest FedEX facility to me to drop the box off to ship it back is an hour away. You can schedule a pick up, but again, you have to be around for them to pick up. Again I'm luck. The company I work for has FedEx pick up packages daily so I can return my package via my company's shipping department. I'm sure most rental companies are going to require a signature so I don't think there is a way to avoid this issue. Something to keep in mine though, in case you need to make arrangements with work, school or your vacation plans in order to be around to ship or receive your package.

[CaraRose]

Thanks guys!

Yeah, I'll definitely get the insurance with them. I think I may put in a reservation in the next week for a two week rental.

[GB1]

Another note - They will drop off at Kinkos if you would like to pick it up there. Kinkos is owned by FedEx and the ones near me are open all night .. very convenient if you live near one.

G

[JamesV]

[QUOTE=CaraRose]I may put in a reservation in the next week for a two week rental. /QUOTE]

The good thing about putting in a 2 week reservation at least 2 weeks ahead. They will purchase a new lens if they don't have any when it comes time for your rental. I would have to say that is a major plus for them in my book.

I have also rented from them before. Each time was to test a lens to see how I liked it and I never had any problems. I rented one last year for my New York trip that I forgot to do so the week I was leaving I emailed them and they told me that I would get it in time for my trip. As stated excellent customer service, they answer emails quick. I am going to rent a lens in the next month and have also got the insurance, it just helps to know that it's covered. As stated that the lens does not come with any kind of filter attached, depends which lens but some come with a case. I will always rent from them and have suggested it a few times here to people.

James

I also forgot to mention, you can cancel your reservation anytime before the ship date. They don't charge you until they ship, another plus.

[CaraRose]

Just an update, I did put in my reservation. You can add on the UV filters as long as you put in a request (and the lens can take a filter of course!). I figure I can always take them off

So for the Smokies I'm renting the 300mm f/4 L lens, the 100mm 2.8 macro (probably going to buy this eventually, so great to get a change to try it out), and the Tokina fisheye zoom.

Add that to my Tokina 12-24, 55-250, 18-55 kit lens, and my 50 1.8, and I think I have a decent arsenal! The skill to use it however, remains to be proven

[mjs1973]

Big mistake renting the 300mm f/4L IS lens. That is the lens I rented a month ago. It has now become the #1 lens on my must have list. It is a great lens, and you will love it. You are going to want to buy it once you play with it for a while. Had I not rented it, I would still be dreaming of the 70-200mm f/2.8. You have been warned.

[CaraRose]

Well, since I've never used an L lens before, I figure whichever I get I'll be wanting it when it's time to return it.

I really can't wait. It's set to ship on the third. Hopefully I'll have a couple days to play with them before the trip (think they'd accept the excuse at work for skipping a day-- "I need to play with my cool rental lenses!"?)

[mjs1973]

It's worth a shot. Don't be surprised if your order arrives a day early! Have fun with your new, temporary, toys.

[JamesV]

It's worth a shot. Don't be surprised if your order arrives a day early! Have fun with your new, temporary, toys.

I have to agree with the one day early. Then it still doesn't count toward the loan time, the load time still starts on the 3rd.

Have fun and can't wait to see some pictures when you get back.

BTW, I just rented the 24-70 for the photo walk in Chicago on the 18th, it should be fun.

James

[racedraper]

tell you what I rent my lenses now. but yeah i rent the 17-35 2.8 and the 300 ,400 2.8 lens and I figure it would take years to recover the cost of these if i buy them, who has 15k around just sitting .lol Plus I charge a little more to cover the cost of renting them.