Leasing Camera Equipment: What You Need To Know

There are many options available for those looking to lease a camera and lenses. Some companies offer a rent-to-buy option, where you can pay in instalments over time, while others allow you to rent the equipment for a set period. This is a great option for those who don't want to commit to a large upfront cost or take on credit card debt. You can lease a range of camera equipment, from top brands such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony, to more affordable options like Fujifilm. There are also different types of cameras available, including DSLR, mirrorless, and point-and-shoot.

Lease-to-own options

FlexShopper

FlexShopper offers a range of cameras and lenses from brands like Canon, Nikon, and Tamron. The website lists the current weekly prices for each item, with some items priced as low as $500 per week. For example, the Canon EF50mm F1.8 STM Standard Prime Lens for EOS DSLR cameras is available to lease at a weekly rate of $900.

Leaseville

Leaseville offers a "rent-to-own" option for DSLR camera lenses. The website invites you to enter your monthly income to estimate your lease limit. This can be useful for budgeting and ensuring you don't exceed your means. The actual shopping limit will be determined once you submit your application.

When considering lease-to-own options, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully, understand the payment structure, and be aware of any additional fees or requirements.

No credit check

There are a few options for leasing a camera and lenses without a credit check.

RTBShopper

RTBShopper offers a no-credit-check option for people with bad credit, allowing you to pay for your camera over time. You can apply for lease-to-own with Progressive Leasing, with approval for up to $3,000. This option does not require a credit check, but you will need a valid bank account, social security number, and a source of income. You can also opt for special financing with Klarna, which does not have a predefined spending limit.

ElectroFinance

ElectroFinance offers monthly payment plans for DSLR cameras with no credit check. They also offer easy financing for those with bad credit.

PROCAM

PROCAM offers lease-to-own options with Katapult and Progressive Leasing, both of which do not require a credit check. With Katapult, you can get approved for up to $3500 with a checkout cost of $45, and a discount on early buyout. Progressive Leasing requires an initial payment of $79 for purchases of $250 and up, with the remaining lease payments determined upon item selection.

BorrowLenses

BorrowLenses is now Lensrentals, which offers rentals or purchases of camera bodies, lenses, and equipment.

Leaseville

Leaseville allows you to enter your income to estimate your lease limit for camcorders and action cams.

Payment plans

There are several options available for payment plans when leasing a camera and lenses. Many companies offer "rent-to-own" or "lease-to-own" programs, which allow you to make monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payments over time until you own the equipment. This option often does not require a credit check and is a good choice if you don't want to deal with credit card companies or banks. Some companies offering this option include RTBShopper, Leaseville, and ElectroFinance. Leaseville and RTBShopper allow you to estimate your lease limit by entering your monthly income.

Another option is to apply for special financing through companies like PROCAM Photo & Video Gear. They offer lease-to-own programs with no credit required, such as Katapult and Progressive Leasing. With Katapult, you can get approved for up to $3500 in minutes with a $45 checkout fee and a discount on early buyout. Progressive Leasing requires an initial payment of $79 for purchases of $250 and up, with the remaining lease payments determined upon item selection. PROCAM also offers 0% interest for 12 or 24-month lease programs and 36-month leases at 1.99% interest for Canon Cinema EOS products.

If you have good credit, you may qualify for special financing options like the Synchrony HOME Credit Card, which offers 0% interest for 12 months on purchases of $499 or more. Wells Fargo Financing also offers 12 months of special financing on purchases of $499 or more, subject to credit check and approval.

It's important to note that some companies may require a down payment, and there may be additional fees or interest charges associated with these payment plans. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions before committing to any lease or financing agreement.

Where to lease from

There are several options for where to lease a camera and lenses from. Firstly, you could try Lensrentals.com, which offers a wide range of products, including cameras and lenses from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, and Leica. Lensrentals has also acquired BorrowLenses, which offers a similar service, including the option to pick up and drop off gear at any of 300+ UPS locations across the US.

Another option is Camera Lens Rentals, which provides camera and lens rentals to thousands of customers since 2008. They offer a range of products from brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and DJI, and you can rent gear anywhere from 1 day to 90 days. They ship across the US using UPS.

Lens Pro To Go is based in Massachusetts and offers a similar service, with the added benefit of a partnership with FedEx and Hunts, meaning you can pick up or drop off your rental gear at over 4,000 locations across the US. They also offer two types of protection plans for accidental damage.

ProPhoto Rental is based in Colorado and offers a unique pricing system without day rates. Instead, the fee slowly increases over time, and you can input a custom period on the booking calendar to get a quote. They offer a range of lenses from leading brands such as Canon, Nikon, Leica, and Sony.

Adorama Rental, based in NYC, caters mainly to video gear but also carries photographic cameras, lenses, and accessories. They have stricter rules than some other rental services, requiring an account and a deposit or certificate of insurance. They ship across the US and offer local pickup, including curbside.

Finally, another option is to use a site like Leaseville, which offers lease-to-own plans for cameras and video gear, with flexible plans and no credit needed.

Returning the equipment

Next, check over the equipment to ensure it is in working order. This includes checking for any damage, ensuring all parts are functioning, and giving it a thorough clean. It is important to return the equipment in the same condition as you received it, so take the time to inspect it carefully.

Once you have checked the equipment, it's time to prepare it for return. Find out the preferred shipping method of the leasing company and package the equipment securely. Be sure to insure the package and keep all shipping information, including tracking numbers, in a safe place. It is also a good idea to keep the model and serial number of the equipment for your records.

If you are returning the equipment in person, ensure you have all the necessary documentation and that you are aware of the return procedure. It is always a good idea to inform the leasing company in advance of the return, so they can prepare for the equipment's arrival.

Finally, keep in mind that some companies may charge additional fees for late returns or if the equipment is not in the expected condition. These fees should be outlined in your lease agreement, so be sure to review this carefully. By following these steps, you can ensure the equipment is returned smoothly and without any issues.

Frequently asked questions