Renting Camera Lenses: A Guide To Getting Started

Renting camera lenses is a great option for photographers and videographers who want to try out different gear without committing to a purchase. It can also be a more cost-effective solution for those who only need a particular lens for a short period. Several companies offer camera lens rental services, providing a wide range of options from popular manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fuji. The rental process is usually straightforward, with companies offering different rental periods, from daily to weekly to long-term rentals, and often including shipping in their prices. Some companies also offer discounts on purchases after rentals or reward programs for loyal customers.

Where to rent camera lenses

There are several options for renting camera lenses. BorrowLenses, now Lensrentals, offers a wide range of camera lenses, camera bodies, and other equipment for rent. They cater to both photographers and videographers, providing top-quality gear whenever and wherever you need it.

Lensrentals.com is another option, offering an extensive inventory of camera lenses and cameras from various brands, including Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, and Leica. They provide convenient shipping options and flexible rental periods.

Pro Photo Rental is a professional camera rental service with a large selection of DSLR cameras and lenses from popular manufacturers like Canon, Fuji, Sony, Nikon, Sigma, and Schneider. They offer competitive rental rates and flexible rental periods, ranging from one day to 45 days.

These companies provide photographers and videographers with the tools they need to capture their perfect shots without the hefty cost of purchasing equipment outright.

How much does it cost to rent camera lenses?

The cost of renting camera lenses varies depending on the type of lens and the rental period. For example, Pro Photo Rental offers a range of lenses for rent, with prices varying from $18 for a one-day rental of a Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS lens to $85 for a one-day rental of a Canon CN-E 14mm T3.1 L Cinema Prime lens.

Other companies such as LensRentals and LensProToGo also offer camera lens rental services, but they do not explicitly state the rental prices on their websites. LensRentals, however, mentions that they provide exhaustive inventories of gear, while LensProToGo includes up to two days of round-trip shipping in their prices.

It is worth noting that rental prices may also depend on factors such as the availability of the lens, the duration of the rental period, and any additional services or equipment included in the rental package.

How long can you rent camera lenses for?

The duration for which you can rent a camera lens can vary depending on the rental service and your specific needs. Some companies offer daily rentals, while others provide more extended rental periods. Here's a detailed overview:

Daily Rentals

Some camera lens rental services offer daily rental options, allowing you to rent lenses for a single day. This is convenient if you need a lens for a specific event or a short-term project. For example, Camera Lens Rentals offer rental periods starting from 1 day up to 90 days. This flexibility is ideal for those who need gear for a short duration or those who want to test out different lenses before committing to a longer rental or purchase.

Weekly Rentals

Many rental services provide the option to rent camera lenses for a week or seven days. This is a popular choice for those who want to try out a lens before buying it or for those who need it for a specific trip or project. For instance, Canon's official website lists weekly rental prices for various lenses, such as the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS II, which is $77 for 7 days. This weekly rental option is also offered by companies like BorrowLenses and Lensrentals.

Extended Rentals

Some companies cater to extended rental periods for those needing gear for a more extended duration. For example, ProPhoto Rental, based in Colorado, offers a unique pricing system where the fee slowly increases over time. They don't charge daily rates; instead, you can input a custom period on their booking calendar and receive a quote for a longer rental duration. Similarly, Lensrentals mentions that their equipment can be leased for up to six months, providing flexibility for long-term projects.

Buying Options

In addition to renting, some companies offer the option to buy the gear you're renting. For instance, Lensrentals allows you to purchase gear directly from their website, and they offer a 7-day rental period to test out a lens before buying it. This rental fee is then deducted from the final purchase price if you decide to buy. Aperturent, based in Washington, also provides a similar option, allowing you to rent-to-own and try out equipment before committing to a purchase.

What camera lenses can you rent?

There are a variety of camera lenses that you can rent. The type of lens you can rent depends on the rental service you use. Some popular rental services include LensRentals, BorrowLenses, Samy's Camera, and Pro Photo Rental. These services offer a range of lenses from different manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Sigma, and Schneider.

• Schneider Kreuznach 28mm LS f/4.5 Aspherical ($80)
• Schneider Kreuznach 120mm LS f/4.0 Macro ($65)
• Canon CN-E 14mm T3.1 L Cinema Prime ($85)
• Canon CN-E 35mm T1.5 L Cinema Prime ($85)
• Canon CN-E 85mm T1.3 L Cinema Prime ($85)
• Canon CN-E 135mm T2.2 L Cinema Prime ($85)
• Sony Zeiss FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA ($30)
• Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS ($22)
• Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM ($30)
• Sony FE 28-135mm f/4 PZ OSS ($35)
• Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS ($18)

In addition to these options, Pro Photo Rental also offers a range of lenses for Canon EF, Canon RF, Fuji XF, Nikon F, Nikon Z, Leica L, and Sony E camera mounts.

LensRentals also offers a wide range of lenses for rent, including options from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Leica, and more. Similarly, BorrowLenses provides a platform to rent or buy lenses, cameras, and other photography equipment. Samy's Camera is another option, with rental services available at four locations in California, offering a selection of digital cinema cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, medium format cameras, and lenses.

How to rent camera lenses online

Renting camera lenses online is a great way to try out different options before committing to a purchase. It's also a cost-effective solution for those who need a specific lens for a particular project or event. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to rent camera lenses online:

• Choose a Reputable Rental Company: Start by searching for well-known and trusted camera lens rental companies. Look for companies that offer a wide range of lenses from different brands, such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Olympus. Some popular options include Lensrentals and BorrowLenses (now also part of the Lensrentals family).
• Browse the Lens Options: Visit the websites of your chosen rental companies and browse their lens inventory. Compare the available lenses to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors such as focal length, aperture, and compatibility with your camera.
• Check Availability and Place Your Order: Once you've found the lens you want, check its availability on your desired rental dates. Most websites will have a calendar showing when the lens is available and when it has been booked by other customers. Add the lens to your cart and proceed to checkout when you're ready to place your order.
• Provide Rental Details: During the checkout process, you'll need to provide rental details, including the desired rental period and your shipping address. Some companies may also require you to create an account for easier order management.
• Review Rental Terms and Conditions: Before finalizing your order, carefully review the rental company's terms and conditions. This includes understanding the rental period, return process, and any associated fees or penalties for damage or late return.
• Receive and Use the Lens: After placing your order, you will receive the lens on the specified delivery date. Carefully unpack and inspect the lens, then enjoy using it for your project or event.
• Return the Lens: Ensure you return the lens on time and in good condition to avoid additional fees. Pack the lens securely and use the provided shipping label to send it back to the rental company.

By following these steps, you can conveniently rent camera lenses online to enhance your photography or videography projects without the commitment of purchasing expensive equipment.

Frequently asked questions