My Experience Renting (a 24L) - Do It!

Last week I received a box from Lenses For Hire UK with my rental 24mm 1.4L lens in.
By the way LFH are a great company, before I even rented a lens I was chatting to one of the guys via email for days about all sorts... so friendly!
It was £45 for 5 full days, but more like 6 full days.


Renting the lens made me realise a few important things which I couldn't without trying it out for myself...

1. I loved the lens, I was very happy with most images from it... but I wasn't blown away with it compared to the cheap lenses I normally use. This has made me think that for now I'd be quite happy with the image quality of a cheaper prime like a mid range Canon or fast Sigma.

2. I did however fall instantly in love with the build quality and solidity of the lens. How a product feels to touch and hold is so important to me (that's why I love the 7D).
So one thing making me want to save for an L is the build.

3. With such an expensive lens I don't think I could live with just 1 high quality prime. If I could afford 3 that'd be great, but as I can't... I feel I'd be frustrated that I couldn't use the expensive kit more.


The week has made me pretty sure that for my travels I won't be getting a 24L, for the reasons I've stated above, I think the best thing for me is to save for a 24-70L and pair it up with a cheaper prime, most likely a Sigma 30/1.4

After seeing so many 'which lens should I buy' threads, and after the week I've had... I can't stress enough how helpful renting kit is, and how easy it is and how cost effective!
Spending £45 or less for a week makes more sense than possibly investing thousands into something you don't really want.

Here's the place I went...
http://www.lensesforhi​re.co.uk/

Oh and here's one of the first pic's I got with it...

Renting is an excellent way to test drive a lens before buying. I rented a 500mm f/4 from The London Camera Exchange in Southampton for 4 days for just £100 in 2008.

Interestingly I also decided not to buy, because renting these exotic beasts as required is a much better option. I'm told they will even let them leave the country, but of course totally at our risk and fully insured.

Lowner wrote in post #10779642
Renting is an excellent way to test drive a lens before buying. I rented a 500mm f/4 from The London Camera Exchange in Southampton for 4 days for just £100 in 2008.

Interestingly I also decided not to buy, because renting these exotic beasts as required is a much better option. I'm told they will even let them leave the country, but of course totally at our risk and fully insured.

Yep LFH let you take it abroad too as long as it's not in a 'war zone'. Even under 18's can rent a lens.

IMO if you're going to buy an L lens it's a must that you've physically tried one out before.