Lens Rental - SE Michigan

[Sickness]

This summer I'm planning on taking a few promo photos for a local band. I'm looking for some nice glass to rent/borrow for a day or two. A 17-55IS would be great, maybe even a 50/85 1.2. This is still a few months away, but I wanted to post a bit early to check the waters.

I'm located in Kalamazoo, MI.

[HeatherSik]

Good evening.. I don't think I can really help you but have you tried Norman's.. If they don't rent out anything maybe they can point in the in the right direction.. I think I have heard of a good place online that does rentals.. I will see if I can find anything. I would let you use mine but I only have a 85mm 1.8 and a 50mm 1.8..

What Band are you going to do the promo for? I also live in Kalamazoo.. Our church is holding a Battle of the Bands this Sat and I am going to be their walk around photog to take pic's.. I am really looking forward to it.. Good luck and I will see what I can come up with for you.. :)

[HeatherSik]

From what little I have read this place is really good.. I know they also post here on POTN.. www.cameralensrentals.com..

[Sickness]

I've tried calling Norman and they don't rent out lens. The band is Times and Places. Not real well know, yet hopefully, but the band consists of three of my best friends.

I've thought about renting online, but I was hoping to save some money by finding someone semi-local.

Where is the Battle of the Bands being held at? I would love some practice shooting concert photography. Problem is, the only place I've tried shooting at has horrible lighting.

[Karl C]

Try Lensrentals.com (http://www.lensrentals.com) - Roger operates a first-class company and is a member here. Do a search for Lensrentals.com and you'll find many happy POTNer's.

[HeatherSik]

It is at Southridge Church in Texas corners.. The cost is 3.00 at the door. The lighting is not great but I have got some great shots there. If you find that you want to check it out just ask for me (Heather) at the counter when you come in.. Starts at 6:30pm. If you are going to come let me know so I can let the counter people know where I am. Feel free to be there around 6:00pm to look around.. Your 50mm 1.8 would be perfect for that night also..

[Sickness]

Ah, just found out ive got to work until 10 or else I would.

Karl - I'm kinda looking for somthong local, save on shipping and such.

[JMW-Photo]

...I'm kinda looking for somthong local, save on shipping and such.

I honestly don't think you are going to find anything locally. I live just south of Detroit and there are bearly professional camera stores left much less a place that rents glass. Your a bit further from Grand Rapids than I am from Detroit, but that being the largest city in the state would be your best place to look.

Your pretty much going to have to suck it up and pay shipping. Your only looking at a little over $100 if you were to rent the 17-55 + 85 1.2. Your talking about almost $3,000 worth of glass! If you call or e-mail Roger at lensrentals.com, he may arrange a 3 day rent for you on the 17-55 even though it's not listed.

good luck!

[Sickness]

I really wasn't looking for a store, but some friendly helpful POTN members. I might just give lens rentals a call.

[metalman1010]

Roger will give 3 day rentals on pretty much everything he own's if it's in stock. All you do is take the price of the week rental and split it in half.

I have done this before on stuff when I needed it for the weekend.

The shipping prices are both directions and are usually fedex 2 day.

I have dealt with him many times over and it's completely worth it considering what types of glass you want.

Ross

[Karl C]

Karl - I'm kinda looking for somthong local, save on shipping and such.

The shipping charges Roger charges is very reasonable, given it's via FedEx 2-Day and covers both shipping to you and the return shipment. I know you're looking to save money but I think, in the end, using Lensrentals will prove satisfactory to you.

[bigjon0107]

Ya, Rodger runs a first-class operation over there. Great to work with. If you rent for more then one day, it usually comes out cheaper then the local rental houses as well.

[Sickness]

That's good to hear, about the 3 day. Even though I'm sure I could find somthing to shoot if I had it for the week instead, hah.

I hate to turn this into this kind of thread, but would it really be worth renting the 50L or would I be satisfied with the 1.4? I am really unhappy with my Nifty.

[Karl C]

I hate to turn this into this kind of thread, but would it really be worth renting the 50L or would I be satisfied with the 1.4? I am really unhappy with my Nifty.

Unless you "need" L glass or a faster lens, the 50 1.4 is a great lens for the price. There have been some complaints about softness and a "dreamy" quality when used wide-open but apparently it disappears at 2. My first 50 1.4 had that issue but I haven't needed 1.4 yet on the current lens (or the previous copy - yes, I've owned three :lol: ).

All depends on your needs, style, skillset, and budget.

[Cameralensrentals]

Sickness,
Let me know if you need something. I am in Indiana..shipping to you from me is 1 day. We can work out something on the shipping price since your so close..and if your interested.

Barry
www.cameralensrentals.com

[Sickness]

Barry, I appreciate the reply.

I'm still debating over the 24L, the 50L, or the 85L. I'm still not sure what focal length I want. I'll definitely contact you when I make my decision.

[stathunter]

I have to also recommend Roger at lensrentals.com --- great service.
But for what you are looking to do--- what is wrong with the 85 1.8 ----quicker focus than the 85L ---simply purchase it.

[PhotosGuy]

What's the lighting going to be like? Are you sure you need a 17-55 IS or 50/85 f/1.2?
These were shot with a f/4:
The Johnny Headband Band (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=372180)

[Sickness]

I'm not doing concert shooting. I'm doing promotional shots. Outdoors stuff, posed with equipment. I'm sure I could get away with F/2/4. I just want the best image quality, and I'm very disappointed with my 50 1.8.