Camera/lens rentals

[OKW Lover]

I know there are several of the podcasters who are really into photography. I'm wondering if they have ever rented a camera or lens. I came across a company named Kingdom Camera but don't know anything about them. Anybody heard of them?

I'm thinking ahead to an Alaska cruise next summer and a 300mm lens would probably do best. I just wouldn't have any use for one beyond that so renting seems to be a good idea.

 

[jcb]

I don't rent but thought I would ask whether you thinking about the Nikon AFS 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR Zoom?

It won't get you very close to the sea mammals while on the ship:

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But it will do a great job if you take an excursion:
http://www.disunplugged.com/2011/08/15/whale-watching-in-new-england/

Most of the photos in the blog post were taken at 100mm - but the second was taken at 300mm. So, the lens won't be long enough if you don't plan on an excursion and it may be more than you need if you do. I'd rather have it available, than not, however.

 

[OKW Lover]

Hmmm. Yes, I was thinking of something with a 300mm length. Wondering now if 400 would be better.

I've thought about one of those teleconverters as well. Not sure how good they are and the expense might not be warranted for just this occasion.

More research is in order...

 

[mouselike-harrier]

My husband rented his lens for our Alaska cruise this July. He used Lensrental.com and was impressed. We haven't used the Kingdom Camera yet because we haven't used the camera in WDW this year. Hope it helps. BTW he has a Canon 7D.

 

[OKW Lover]

Thanks!

 

[disney david]

Or you could hire the Dou of burgin and holland photography to go with you and capture the magic.

 

[dmccarty]

I have used LensRental.com a few times and I have been very impressed. I left one of my lens covers in lens bag that was part of the rental, they found it, knew it was mine and mailed it back to me. I figured I had just lost the cap somewhere.

The problem with larger focal length lenses is that they weigh more and cost more. Nikon has a nice 300mm/F4 lens I have been renting that works very well with a TC 1.4 teleconverter. The TC 1.4 on the 300mm/F4 lens gives you a 420mm/F5.6 lens. The 300mm/F4 lens is light compared to a 300mm/F2.8 lens but it can get heavy after awhile.

Later,
Dan

 

[YoYoAurora]

I haven't rented any camera equipment yet. I'll ask at my photography society meeting tonight and let you know if any of them have recommendations.

Good luck! You are going to share some of the photos so we can see them after your trip, right?

 

[RevKjb]

I know there are several of the podcasters who are really into photography. I'm wondering if they have ever rented a camera or lens. I came across a company named Kingdom Camera but don't know anything about them. Anybody heard of them?

I'm thinking ahead to an Alaska cruise next summer and a 300mm lens would probably do best. I just wouldn't have any use for one beyond that so renting seems to be a good idea.

I used Kingdom Camera a Rental in August. Fantastic. I would recommend them. Got some good shots on the AK Safari. Don't think they do Alaska though.

 

[OKW Lover]

Appreciate all the feedback. Fortunately I've got quite a while until my Alaska Cruise next August to make a decision.

 

[Alztybrn]

I use lensrentals.com all the time...each with amazing quality and service. I would consider shipping to your hotel in AK before the cruise...that way you do not have to fly with it, and run the risk of damaging it while travelling.

 

[YoYoAurora]

Members in my photography group who have rented recommended lensrentals.com.

Happy snapping!

 

[Golf4food]

I've used cameralensrentals.com in the past with good results (mostly because they are one of the few with Pentax lens options). You Canikon people have much more selection (helps offset the lighter wallets).

 

[dmccarty]

I use lensrentals.com all the time...each with amazing quality and service. I would consider shipping to your hotel in AK before the cruise...that way you do not have to fly with it, and run the risk of damaging it while travelling.

Last time I checked lensrentals.com's FAQ, they do not like to ship to hotels, since it is easier for the equipment to disappear but they will discuss this option with the renter.

To the OP, if you are renting a camera, you really should rent the camera prior to the trip so you can get familiar with the camera. If you rent a larger, heavier lens, then a prior rental to get experience with the lens prior to the trip would be a very good idea. The larger telephoto lenses require tripods and tripod heads that can handle the much heavier lenses. If you are going to try to hand hold a particular lens that is heavier than what you normally use, a prior rental would help determine if you are comfortable holding that lens with your camera.

Later,
Dan

 

[OKW Lover]

Just wanted to thank everybody again for the excellent advice.

 

[travisx4]

Jeff,
I used the 300 lens for our recent trip to Alaska and thought it was all I needed. I had considered a 2X converter but after reading you will lose 2 fstops and you needed a very steady hand I decoded against it. I would rather have a crisp picture from further away than a close blurry picture. I recommend spending some money on binoculars for the trip. I bought some Canons with image stabilization and they worked incredible. You can scan the landscape while on the ship without any shake. By the way Alaska was incredible and I would do it again in a heart beat.