Renting Glass

[scejas]

Have any of you guys rented any pieces of glass online ? I was considering doing so on an upcoming trip.

 

[tinksdad]

I tried a couple of times and never got the lens I wanted. They were out.....

Sounds (in theory) to be a great way to try out a lens and make sure that you like it before sinking the money into the purchase.

 

[SharonLowe]

I've used this company with great success:

http://www.lensprotogo.com/

You can reserve lenses so that one will be available when you want it. Reasonable rates and great service.

 

[Anewman]

Back in the 80s, photo clubs were really popular. One of the biggest perks was being able to borrow/trade/test fellow club members gear, but you also had to be willing to lend out your own stuff.

Reminds me of that old Friends episode.

JOEY DOESN'T SHARE FOOD!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gBiB5hl2vo


One of the local stores in my area rents out equipment, but prices are IMO geared to have you make a purchase instead. Example; $600 lens 1 week rental equals $120, maybe it is just me but I would rather just purchase it instead of losing that cash. I assume they know that since they are obviously primarily in the SALES business, but I guess they figure if they do rent out a lens a couple times they make a decent buck out of it.

 

[Miss Kelly]

I'm renting the 70-200L IS f/2.8 right now. I think its a good idea to rent the expensive lens before deciding to buy them. This lens is huge and I don't know whether I would buy it now based on the weight. I might have to check out the 70-200L IS f/4 now.

 

[scejas]

I'm renting the 70-200L IS f/2.8 right now. I think its a good idea to rent the expensive lens before deciding to buy them. This lens is huge and I don't know whether I would buy it now based on the weight. I might have to check out the 70-200L IS f/4 now.

What are you shooting ? I have had both and can tell yo the f/4 is extremely sharp lens. I miss it -- but I really need the the f/2.8 for the amount of indoor work i do.

My arm cries for the f/4 all the time... lol

 

[SharonLowe]

What are you shooting ? I have had both and can tell yo the f/4 is extremely sharp lens. I miss it -- but I really need the the f/2.8 for the amount of indoor work i do.

My arm cries for the f/4 all the time... lol

For indoors, I mostly rely on my 50mm f/1.4 which is about as light as you can get (other than the 1.8) - wouldn't that lens work for you indoors. Another option, if you want a longer lens, is the 85mm f/1.8 (or 1.2 if you can afford it ) - that is a beautiful portrait lens too.

 

[scejas]

Actually the lens i'm renting I'm going wide angle 16mm or so..

All I have is long glasses since I mainly shoot football, baseball and a lil basketball..

 

[Miss Kelly]

What are you shooting ? I have had both and can tell yo the f/4 is extremely sharp lens. I miss it -- but I really need the the f/2.8 for the amount of indoor work i do.

My arm cries for the f/4 all the time... lol

I'm shooting a wedding on Saturday. If I were to do a lot of weddings, I would invest in the 2.8. I might be doing some football shots in the Fall and if so, I'll probably rent the 2.8 again. How heavy is the f/4? I could see myself using that more often in conjunction with the 24-70L.