Purchase from Lensrentals.com

I have been very happy with the lenses I have rented from them. Anyone purchased their used lenses? Is it a concern that they have been rentals? I'd never buy a used car from Hertz, but this seems different, since they seem to take good care of their equipment.

I know I can buy from the classifieds here, but I get a little squeamish sending that much money to a stranger.

I have not bought from Lensrentals but have purchased and sold a lot of items on the net. I always use paypal as it works just like a credit card giving the buyer protection.

I've bought a teleconverter from lensrentals.com. Was exactly as described, if anything their ratings are conservative. Most of the lenses have a 90 day warranty, which is actually better than most places selling second hand gear, as well as the 3 day inspection where if not happy return for full refund. Just check the details in the sale listing.

As far as I am concerned, if I was buying a second hand lense, it would be one of the few places I would actually consider.... they can't afford to rip people off, as they live (and die) by their reputation.

The owner actually a forum member here, but cant remember his user name at the moment.

Daniel

His name is Roger. They are local for me, very reputable, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them. I've been in their actual location to pick up lenses. Great people and very helpful. They have helped out the local camera club on occasion also. I'm not vouching for the condition of a used lens. The ones I've rented have been great, however. I'm just saying they are very legitimate.

I've only bought a couple of small items like batteries from them so far, but the service and quality is just as good as the rental side!

And like previously said, at the very least they give you a 3 day inspection period. I browse there site quite often, and they do offer a 90 day warranty on most of the lenses as well.

I would not buy used anything from a rental firm, sorry. Cars are a good example. No one treats their rental well. And then there is all the shipping back and forth. Keh.com is a great place for used.

i know someone who bought the used lens from the lensrental.. they described their item at their best ability so you know what to expect.. and if you expect a used lens to look exactly like new, you'll be disappointed. A used lens is a used lens.. Although their price is not so competitive.. (cheaper here or ebay)

MRagon wrote in post #11164758
His name is Roger.

That would be me, and I do hang out here, but NEVER pimp the gear. Although I'd agree with pretty much every post in the thread, they are all accurate.

The most important one is the one that says "we live and die by our reputation". There's at least one person in this forum that can tell you they bought a lens from us, didn't like it, and sent it back for a refund (maybe more, but one I know of). But you won't find anyone saying "Lensrentals screwed me over."

Roger

roger, whats the difference between southern Lensrental and standard Lensrental?

mansalim wrote in post #11171746
roger, whats the difference between southern Lensrental and standard Lensrental?

Probably like the difference between a Fairy Tale and a Southern Fairy tale?

Regular Fairy Tale starts "Once upon a time. . . "

Southern Fairy Tale starts "Y'all ain't gonna believe this S#%*"

So I'm guessing a person describing a regular Lensrentals says
"I got some really nice images with my rental lens . . . . . "

I've purchased a used lens from Lensrental in the past and it was great. The listing very accurately described the item and I think it actually underestimated the condition. IIRC the rating was a 8.5/9 and when I received it, the condition was excellent. The body and glass were basically like new (not even scrapes or scratches on the hood.) The only part that looked like it had any wear was the metal mounting ring, which is not unexpected due to the metal to metal contact during mounting.

The only thing I wish is they could retain the box, but I understand that would require a huge amount of storage space.

mansalim wrote in post #11166083
Although their price is not so competitive.. (cheaper here or ebay)

Ahh - cheap price doesn't always equal good deal. The chances of buying stolen gear through ebay - reasonable. Chance of buying stolen gear off the forum, it exists, but low. Chance of buying stolen gear from lensrentals - I would say non-existent. It's a matter of your personal choice. For some people they dont mine paying a little more to ensure they actually get to keep it... And their prices must be about right - as you don't see too many lenses re-listed (if you follow the RSS feed).

I've not bought anything from them, but my rentals have been flawless. Maybe I got lucky and got newer lenses both times.

With my exsperances With Roger and Crew, I can safely say if you buy from them you are not going to get screwed. The reputation they have is earned.


Besides where else can you get a 2999.99 lens used for $1500.00 ish. ( yeah I wold like to get the sigma 120-300 F2.8)