LensRentals is my go-to place for when I need to rent a lens for a trip or special event. I’ve never had a problem trying to rent a lens with them. My most recent rentals were for my Yellowstone trip and for a local air show. I’ve broken this review down into different sections.
Lens selection:
LensRentals has recently revamped their website, and the new layout makes finding what you’re looking for very easy. You first select what type of camera system you’re looking to rent for. Then it narrows down the compatible lenses they have in stock. Each lens has a mini review attached to it, which I find helpful when looking at lenses I’m not familiar with.
They offer rental periods of 4 days, 1,2, 3 full weeks or 1, 3, 6 months. They also have an optional damage waiver you can add on to help protect your rental. Personally, I always select the damage waiver because, well, I don’t have money to repair these lenses! You are also going to pay for UPS 2nd Day Air round-trip shipping – which is good to keep in mind if shipping seems high. Once you’ve ordered the lens, they will email you and send you a Twitter direct message (opt-in needed), on status updates of your order.
Unboxing:
Now that the lens has arrived, the first thing I noticed was that the LensRentals name wasn’t on the shipping label. Which is a great idea so it doesn’t stand out. Everything inside is packed in a couple layers of bubble wrap and foam. Then each lens is wrapped in another layer of bubble wrap inside it’s own lens case.
Equipment packaged in bubble wrap and foam.
A rented Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II.
Lens Quality:
Of all the lenses I’ve rented from LensRentals.com, I’ve never had one with a scratch or flaw with the glass itself. Some have shown some signs of wear on the body, but that hasn’t affected the performance of the lens. Their website explains the system they have in place to inspect and test every lens that is returned.
Returning:
All the foam and bubble wrap will be re-used to pack the lenses so they can be shipped back. Bring the box back to a UPS Store and get a shipping drop-off receipt. Since the package has a pre-paid label you have to ask the counter clerk for the receipt. Once the equipment is back at LensRentals, you’ll get an email giving you final confirmation that everything is all set.
Conclusion:
There you have it – pretty straight forward and an easy process! It’s a great way to get a variety of lenses for the assignment you have at hand.
Special Notes:
- I am not getting any compensation for this review. In fact, LensRentals does not even have an affiliate program.
- Then why a review? I put this review together at the request of a few Twitter followers in an effort to help them out.
- Not sure if it’s needed but just in case, the logo is © LensRentals.com.
- If I haven’t covered something here, or you’d like more detail – let me know in the comments!
