My experience renting equipment from LensRentals has consistently been very positive. I’ve been using their service for years and, thanks to them, I can quickly obtain the gear I need for very specific photo trips and projects while saving money.
LensRentals is one of the largest camera equipment rental agencies in the United States. Therefore, to aid your decision about whether this is the appropriate company for your needs, I`ve composed this comprehensive assessment of LensRentals. I will outline both the pros and cons as well as describe the advantages of renting through them, like rapid shipping, protection through insurance coverage, applicable LensRentals promo codes, and more.
Renting camera equipment is a great way to save money and test new gear, but a number of factors need consideration. As a result, I`ll also cover the main differences between LensRentals vs BorrowLenses, so you can see which company better meets your needs.
This LensRentals Review contains:
- LensRentals Promo Code
- LensRentals opinion – My experience
- Advantages of renting from LensRentals
- Disadvantages of renting from LensRentals
- LensRentals vs. Borrowlenses – A Comparison
However, for those searching for a LensRentals discount voucher, let`s begin there.
Table of Contents
LensRentals Promo Code
We have good news for you. You can use our special promo code just for being a Capture the Atlas reader to get a discount.
Employ this following link as well as the recommendation code ATLAS15 at check-out to acquire a 15% savings on your order. Do note that LensRentals recommendation codes don’t utilize to the entire expense of your order; shipping and insurance costs are not included. What improved entrance point into LensRentals could there be ?
LensrentalS Opinion: My Experience
LensRentals has simplified my process for obtaining photography equipment rentals. Renting camera gear isn`t always the foremost consideration when you realize that you need a particular lens for a unique project, or when it`s time to purchase new gear.
Most photographers hastily go straight to a prominent website and choose the first deal apparent, even if they don’t absolutely necessitate that piece of equipment. Yet, what if there was an approach to not break the bank, not get weighed down with gear that could gather dust down the line, and still capture the finest possible pictures for that unique photo trip or undertaking?
I have regularly leased photographic equipment for many years and relied heavily on LensRentals over the past couple of years. The initial time was in preparation for one of my photography excursions in Iceland. I opted to take an aerial perspective to survey the glaciers and braided rivers across the plains from above. Since I required a relatively fast lens, I selected the classic Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED VR lens for its combination of near-wide angle and modest telephoto views.
New, it would have set us back $1,899.95 – in any case, the rent cost through LensRentals ended up being $144 aggregate for two weeks! And that was before the 15% LensRentals markdown code given to us.
I was so pleased that on our subsequent trip to Costa Rica, we decided to work with LensRentals to pick up a telephoto wildlife combination: the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS paired with the Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter. It was the perfect pairing for the birds, monkeys, and other abundant yet shy wildlife of Central America.
Wholly new, the lens charges $2,498.00 and the 2x teleconverter $548. For this trip, we just compensated $291 for the overall setup, with insurance and delivery expenses. And before the 15% LensRentals reduction!LensRentals’ prices are tough to outdo considering everything that is contained in the rental, as you’ll perceive below.
With this review focused on LensRentals, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the overall experience provided by LensRentals. I’ll be outlining some of the primary advantages, which include:
- Customer Service
- Camera Gear Selection
- Insurance
- Order Process
- How to Ship with LensRentals
- Additional Benefits
And I’ll also break down a few disadvantages that I found through my personal experience leasing with LensRentals, like:
- Potential for Deposits on All Rentals
- Higher Possibility for Specialty Gear Deposits
Without additional preface, let’s dive right in !
Pros of Renting with LensRentals
While there are a couple cons, in general, I’ve uncovered a remarkable collection of pros. LensRentals opinions will range depending on the audience. Usually, though, you’re going to find only positive LensRentals reviews. Here’s just a few of the reasons why that is:
The Customer Service at LensRentals is Superb
While they generally expect you to return your equipment on the day you’ve planned, occasionally life occurs. In those cases, LensRentals offers a Rental Extension policy that’s rather generous.
They provide a 10% discount on extending the rental period as long as it’s done prior to the return date. Extensions depend on having extra equipment available to meet the needs of other photographers who may have requested to borrow what you`re currently using.
If you know you will be tardy, contacting their attentive customer service representatives is the best thing you can do. LensRentals will assist in arranging a pickup if needed, and help locate nearby drop-off points as well as grant extensions on rentals as required, though fees do apply.
For maximum ease, their online live chat permits immediate contact with an agent daily from 9 am to 5 pm CST.
They Offer an Enormous Selection of Camera Equipment
Of all the online equipment rental companies globally, LensRentals has the most extensive selection to choose from. Videographers are provided with as much choice as photographers here, with access to most of the latest gear from Blackmagic, Arri, and Red. Aerial photographers have not only drones but extra batteries and accessories to select from.
Additionally, photography lenses aplenty! Interested in borrowing the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G for a trial run but don’t want to pay over $10,000? A week-long rental will cost you marginally under $400! If you’re examining a lens you’re not completely familiar with, Roger’s Take (Founder and CEO of LensRentals) offers LensRentals lens critiques on the pros and cons of a given lens as well as extra equipment like teleconverters and batteries advised for your gear!
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LensRentals Insurance Options Give You Peace of Mind
LensRentals provides two types of coverage: LensCap and LensCap+.
LensCap solely covers unintentional damage, such as accidentally spilling a drink on your camera or dropping it by mistake. Therefore, as long as you can still return the equipment, LensCap has you protected.
LensCap+ addresses situations where returning the lens is not possible, such as theft or falls from airplanes or boats. While somewhat more expensive, added reassurance is provided should the absolute worst come to pass.
Best of all, both types of LensRentals insurance provide worldwide insurance coverage, so you can venture from Canada to Chile without fear. Simple and easy to comprehend, right?
The Order Process at LensRentals is Straightforward
Navigating some camera rental websites can be complex and daunting. However, LensRentals has a streamlined website making it straightforward and easy to understand. Once on their site, you’re immediately invited to search and choose equipment. Instead of needing to move between multiple pages, rental prices are immediately calculated together with shipping and insurance costs.
No registration is necessary to shop here, and you don’t need to open multiple pages to find hidden details either – LensRentals presents everything up front!
Charges don`t go through until the day the order ships. And with the tracking advice provided, you can check on the status of your order during each step of its transit.
They Ship Fast and Safe
Two renowned shipping providers to choose from are UPS and FedEx. Both well known for offering quality service domestically and globally. For most orders, FedEx shipping costs around $25 while UPS shipping is approximately $30. Worth exploring which company has more distribution centers near you if not in a major city.
While FedEx and UPS are generally careful with all packages, every LensRentals camera and lens delivery comes in a hard case for maximum peace of mind.
Returning equipment Couldn’t be Easier!
When returning rented equipment, LensRentals also provides shipping labels as well as additional guidance on both the box and label. Consequently, the package can be returned seamlessly without needing to find a printer or other service. Contact with LensRentals is also possible to organize package pickup if necessary.
The LensRentals Keeper Program allows you to Purchase the Gear
The LensRentals Keeper program offers a significant advantage compared to competitors like BorrowLenses. By applying credit towards potential equipment purchases, it becomes more financially prudent to test expensive gear on an actual project instead of relying solely on others’ descriptions. This allows evaluating a possible lens acquisition through hands-on experience with the item.
LensRentals’ Keeper program, similar to everything else about the website, is organized for simplicity. Rather than needing to reach out to them, you can access your rental online for an immediate Keeper pricing quote on eligible (most) items. From there, you can simply pick the “Buy Now” button and LensRentals bills the card on file!
They offer LensRentals HD, a Yearly Program for Free Shipping
Once you’ve decided LensRentals is suitable for your needs, I strongly suggest exploring LensRentals HD. The HD program offers a service similar to Amazon Prime where, for $99 annually, you get free nationwide shipping!
Sadly, because of the long distances and costs to and from Alaska and Hawaii, people living in those two remote states are not able to take part in the program. However, anyone within the 48 adjoining states can receive free regular shipping as well as 50% off on overnight shipping through FedEx and UPS. No matter if you need a single converter or a telephoto prime lens, you get free delivery through the program!
The LensRentals Staff is Super Knowledgeable
With the aim of speeding up your rental process, LensRentals provides brief yet knowledgeable reviews from founder and CEO Roger Cicala. Each assessment breaks down the value of each potential addition to your equipment collection. The frequently asked questions section also addresses the most common inquiries from renters, and occasionally there are even critiques from their YouTube channel. As an example, you can check the FAQs and specs for the Lensrentals Sony A7RIV.
Here’s a map showing the walking route.
Fundamentally: LensRentals’ choices are well worth investigating !
Cons of Renting with LensRentals
While my experience with LensRentals has generally been favorable thus far, I want to point out a few potential disadvantages. Each revolves around additional spending that you may not have accounted for. That being said, reviews of LensRentals are overwhelmingly good!
There is a 1% Chance that You Could be Asked for an Additional Deposit
Thanks to their wide assortment of services and insurance options, LensRentals rarely requires funds to be placed in advance. 99% of all rentals go through without the necessity for extra money; without funds being placed on hold on cards, or cash taken only to be returned within 7-10 business days. However, deposits are sometimes needed if one`s identity or address can’t be verified.
Sadly, reviews don`t always mention deposits since they`re required so rarely. However, when deposits are necessary, customers may feel upset or caught off guard that money is due up front. Based on my examination of the reviews, unexpected deposit requirements seem to be a primary reason for most unfavorable LensRentals reviews.
Special Gear Might also Require an Additional Deposit
Specifically expensive equipment or rentals held in single supply renders a deposit likely because replacing the items proves difficult. Intending to lease something like the $80,000 RED RANGER Monstro 8K video camera warrants expecting a deposit beforehand receiving the camera.
Irrespective of the reason for a deposit, LensRentals will always notify you in advance and request permission before charging your card. Should you refuse, the rental won’t be processed.
LensRentals vs. BorrowLenses
When comparing LensRentals and BorrowLenses, both companies offer a wide selection of lenses for photographers who use Canon, Nikon, or Sony systems. Users of less widely adopted camera platforms receive better support from LensRentals than BorrowLenses. For instance, LensRentals provides details of 69 Fujifilm X and G mount lenses, while BorrowLenses only extends to 35. Still, pricing is generally comparable between the two for most gear. As an example, a seven-day rental of the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is $130 at either company.
One major advantage BorrowLenses provides compared to LensRentals is offering in-store pickups in many more locations on both the East and West Coasts, including Seattle, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. While LensRentals` nationwide coverage is impressive, if you want to avoid using postal services, you`re restricted to visiting either their Memphis or Nashville, TN offices.
Regarding customer support, BorrowLenses is capable and well-administered. However, numerous reviewers commend LensRentals for its staff`s in-depth familiarity and rapid response times. Moreover, their website is extremely organized, so most people don’t need to ask inquiries. BorrowLenses also doesn’t offer an online chat window to immediately connect with a representative as LensRentals does.
Overall, I suggest looking at BorrowLenses if you need equipment right away and it`s unavailable on LensRentals, or you live in one of the mentioned cities and don`t wish to receive your rental by mail.
Conclusion
My encounter with LensRentals is tremendously positive generally. The company has done all it can to streamline the process of renting photography and videography equipment online with minimal shocks.
I delight in being able to have professional equipment provided to my location, potentially overnight if needed. And if I happen to really appreciate a rental, the LensRentals Keeper program is the best potential transition to ownership. While you can take a chance on not purchasing insurance, I find their LensCap and LensCap+ programs certainly worthwhile for the peace of mind they offer in case of mishaps.
Additionally, as a result of the discounted rental fees and shipping costs from LensRentals, I am regularly able to obtain less expensive rentals and delivery charges. After your initial rental and if you rent a few times per year, enrolling in the LensRentals HD program proves to be the most effective approach for saving money. Simply 3-4 rentals cover the cost in regard to shipping costs.
While reviews of LensRentals` online store are predominantly positive, I would carefully consider the negative ones. Most satisfied customers do not usually leave reviews; however, customers experiencing problems are quick to critique the service. I noticed that individuals surprised by deposits or disappointed by shipping issues beyond LensRentals` control tended to unjustly blame the company.
I hope this LensRentals review has provided helpful information and you take advantage of the LensRentals promo code, which can be accessed through this link. Please let me know how it works out for you or if you have any other questions!
