Lens rental

[dche5390]

Who rents lenses on a needs basis?

I usually don't utilise my camera gear at all. I would like to but seeing as I still have a day job and on top of that, completing postgraduate studies, there is no time to enjoy photography has a pure hobby.

The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is on my shopping list. However, it is a rather large investment. Who knows, I may even get the Mark II when I get around to it. I don't have the funds right now to purchase one outright (I can but that would screw up my finances and I don't want to do that).

Since I rarely will use it, and I don't have a gazillion jobs lined up yet, would it be wiser to rent the said lens on a needs basis only?

Either that ... or hang onto the 135L and forego the 70-200 entirely.

Cheers,
Dan

[asysin2leads]

Dan,
Yes, rental is a viable and economical option. If you look at the bottom of the page under "Similar Threads," you'll see other options and rental houses who will ship to Aus.

[Tarzanman]

I have never rented a lens. What kind of deposit is usually required?

[asysin2leads]

Originally Posted by Tarzanman

I have never rented a lens. What kind of deposit is usually required?

They charge you for the time you have the lens. Some require a minimum of 3 days and others do not. There really isn't a "deposit." Renting is a great way to try out a lens or use one you can't justify purchasing.

[Tumeg]

Originally Posted by asysin2leads

They charge you for the time you have the lens. Some require a minimum of 3 days and others do not. There really isn't a "deposit." Renting is a great way to try out a lens or use one you can't justify purchasing.

Typically (at least in my experience), they charge your card\account for the retail price of the lens. When you send\bring it back, they refund that amount and then charge their rental costs.

For example; Say you rent a $2,000 lens for 1 day (at $100/day). They will charge your card\account for $2,000 when you pick up the lens, then when you bring it back they will refund $1,900...

[Mike30D]

Originally Posted by Tumeg

Typically (at least in my experience), they charge your card\account for the retail price of the lens. When you send\bring it back, they refund that amount and then charge their rental costs.

For example; Say you rent a $2,000 lens for 1 day (at $100/day). They will charge your card\account for $2,000 when you pick up the lens, then when you bring it back they will refund $1,900...

Not sure who you're renting from but I'd switch if I were you.

LensRentals.com charges $80/week for a 70-200 2.8L IS (insured) Retail: $1899.00

For something like a 300mm 2.8L IS it's $180/week (insured) Retail: $4,300.00

They are an excellent place to rent from, I've used them quite a few times. Equipment is always in really good shape too.

[dche5390]

Surely there is a significant deposit up front? Well, I think places in Australia do anyway (coz we're all convicts or something).

[Mike30D]

LensRentals does not charge a deposit, you will pay for shipping though and return shipping is included in the shipping charges.

Like for the 70-200mm, shipping is $34. So $114 for the whole week.

That's over here though, like you said..it might be different over there in Australia.

[DMPhotique]

I rented the 70-200mm through lensrental.com for a week. It was slightly under 100.00 I think and no problems at all.

[CosmoKid]

Rental shops will not charge you a deposit, but from what I know they do verify that funds are available in case something happens to the lens.

[danameless]

I've rented once from Adorama and they put a hold on your credit card for the amount of the lens as well and release it when you return the lens. The alternated, if you have insurance on your gear that covers rental equipment, then they do not put the hold on your card.

[stunt4949]

I've been renting from lensgiant.com for about a year now. Great service, quality glass and great prices!!

[asysin2leads]

Originally Posted by Tumeg

Typically (at least in my experience), they charge your card\account for the retail price of the lens. When you send\bring it back, they refund that amount and then charge their rental costs.

For example; Say you rent a $2,000 lens for 1 day (at $100/day). They will charge your card\account for $2,000 when you pick up the lens, then when you bring it back they will refund $1,900...

That has never been the case with me. The only thing I was asked was to name the company on my insurance policy for that particular lens in case something happened. Then again, it was a $5000 lens. I've never been charged the full amount and then have the balance refunded.

[Roger Cicala]

The online, mail order shops (with one exception) in the U. S. do not charge a deposit except on very expensive items (for us its Leica S2 and Hasselblad MF systems, others may vary).

The walk-in shops traditionally charge a deposit equal to 1/2 or more of the value of equipment. Never understood why, myself, its really of no benefit: if the gear doesn't come back you can bet your butt the credit card's not valid anymore.

[radloser]

I rented from LensProtogo.com. No deposit! I would schedule the equipment you want in advance but for about $120 I rented a Nikon 80-400 f4.5-5.6 for a week. Came packaged well in a Pelican case and a return label in the box. Very professional and I was impressed. I WILL rent again. Did I say, NO DEPOSIT!?!?