Renting A Lens

[annnewjerz]

I have gotten recommendations for sites to rent from, but since I haven't actually rented anything yet I wanted to pose a question.

If we go to The World in 09, I would have liked to bring the Sigma 30 with me for shooting indoor rides. However, since DH's OT has been cut, if we go to The World it will be on the condition that since I had such a great Christmas, I don't make any large photography related purchases for the year.

So...renting the Sigma is my only option right now but my question is:

Should I rent it once before the actual trip to get to know the lens and practice shooting in low-light, or will slapping it on while sitting in the airport waiting to leave be good enough? If I don't have some practice ahead of time, will renting it be a waste??

Thanks again to all of you for your wooonderful input, I know I ask a lot of questions but I guess that's part of being a newb!

 

[bnorm27]

Ann, I had a great experience with Camera Lens Rentals (www.cameralensrentals.com). I don't recall off hand if they carry the SIgma lens, but check them out on the web and see. Barry and his staff do a great job to make every customer happy. I rented a Canon 100-400mm IS for my vacation last year, and the whole transaction was great. I think you even get 10% off your first rental too.

I rented the lens for almost two weeks, and it cost just over $100 including the shipping. Be sure to purchase the insurance from whoever you rent from too!

Good Luck!

 

[BorisMD]

I did a couple of rentals over the years, and was very happy with my experiences.

I would get the lens for a period slightly longer than you plan to be gone, get it a few days early, and give yourself a little time to become comfortable with the lens.

The incremental cost increase for the extended rental is not prohibitive.

Enjoy,

Boris

 

[caniswolfie]

Another reason to open it early is to make sure that the lens is working and not damaged in transit. I don't know if the lens rental company will be able to work something out before you leave or have the replacement shipped to you at Disney, but at least it will be easier to claim that the rental was not working when you receive it.

I've rented some lenses from Lensrentals.com and haven't had any problems with them.

 

[YesDear]

I am lucky enough to have a rental place in my town. If you have one then you can rent the lens for the day and see if it works for you. Some rental places only rent the canon/nikon brand lens. They tell me it is what most people want.

 

[annnewjerz]

I am lucky enough to have a rental place in my town. If you have one then you can rent the lens for the day and see if it works for you. Some rental places only rent the canon/nikon brand lens. They tell me it is what most people want.

Really?? I would have thought most people would want Nikon

There is a camera store by me, I asked if they rented equipment and they said they do, their used stock that they have for sale...which to me sounds odd, but hey, who am I to argue?