Camera rental is a topic many photographers do not consider adequately when planning their next photographic trip. Why not broaden your capabilities by borrowing new, temporary options for your interchangeable lens camera?
Whether taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Iceland or requiring specialized lens for a model shoot, photography gear rental ought to be considered. That way, you return with precise envisioned images, rather than feeling need to go back additional times.
If you’re looking at obtaining new gear for keeps, camera rental companies can help save you money as well. New gear may not be all it`s claimed to be – and gear you thought you only needed once may be far better than expected! Renting photo gear is a much smarter way of adding to your kit than purchasing gear blindly.
We’ll be breaking down the rental process here as well, like what to look for in a rental company, where to borrow photography equipment, supporting local vs online businesses, the costs involved, and much more! Let’s explore how to rent photography gear together!
- Reasons for Renting Camera Equipment
- Where to lease camera equipment
- How to rent camera equipment
- How much do equipment rental expense?
Table of Contents
Why you should rent camera gear?
Photo gear rental is not always on the minds of even professional photographers. We often think we should constantly have exactly the appropriate tools for every job. Even if that tool sits unused 80% of the time.
There are plenty of benefits of camera rental services, including financial savings, testing out new equipment, access to specialized gear, and having the suitable tool for the job! Expanding your repertoire is never a poor choice!
Photography gear rental is a good way to save money
Renting a camera lens is a consideration for occasional projects requiring equipment outside your normal workflow. For example, a portrait photographer taking on a sports gig.
Perhaps you’re uncertain if sports photography will become part of your normal workflow or not. By renting photographic equipment instead of purchasing it, you can test the waters, rather than feeling committed since you now own a $1500 f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens.
You can rent Camera gear to test it out before your purchase
Camera equipment is highly expensive so it is wise to test it out before making an investment. While gear reviewers provide many specifics on the newest camera accessories, it is difficult to really know how effectively a piece of equipment will perform until you have it in your possession to evaluate.
If you’re considering an upgrade but uncertain how helpful it will be, you can rent a professional camera such as the Sony A7R IV. While 61 megapixels appears enjoyable, you may find the gigantic data files it generates more bother than anticipated!
Camera lens rentals provide similar worth. If you find a widely praised zoom lens isn’t as sharp or adaptable as you expected, a weekend rental will save you the trouble of a return or resale, regularly at reduced value.
Camera lens rental make special lenses accessible
Sometimes equipment necessary for your goals may exceed normal budgets. The AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E lens costs $12,299.95 new. Weighing 4 kilograms and stabilized for full frames, it enables high quality images of remote wildlife.
At first glance, this seems like an expensive lens that’s really only practical for professional wildlife and sports photographers.
However, this lens is widely accessible through photography equipment rental organizations in the USA, and for much less than $12,299.95. If a premium quality, highly specialized lens is needed for a specific undertaking, photography gear rental agencies can significantly broaden your toolkit.
You can rent a professional camera for a specific event
Event photographers, specifically, can make beneficial use of knowing where obtaining photography materials is possible. As a general photographer for events, you may be required to capture a dark nightclub one day and high school sports the following day.
If you own both a fast, wide zoom or prime lens and a fast telephoto zoom, great! But you can save yourself trouble by considering photo gear rental.
Costs related to renting equipment can be passed along to clients through invoicing, permitting selection of the best gear for each job regardless of circumstances .
Where to rent camera gear
Access to rental agencies for cameras is simpler now than ever before thanks to online commerce possibilities. While the largest companies operate out of the United States, we`ve gathered data on some international alternatives that offer comparable services. Both local pick-up and delivery to your location are options along with adaptable rental policies designed to provide maximum benefit without unnecessary hassle.
GearBASE and OntarioCamera are two of the premier camera rental companies in Canada.
GearBASE
The Vancouver, Canada-based equipment rental companyGearBASE is a good choice for renting gear if you’re located in Western Canada or Seattle, WA. Rentals must be returned by noon of the day after your final rental day to avoid fees for the extra day.
GearBASSE offers not just photography equipment, but lighting, drones, tripods, and other accessories. They offer competitive rates on top-tier video gear like the Arri Alexa and Red Monstro.
Deposits typically aren`t necessary with GearBASE unless renting top-tier photography and videography equipment. Or unless trying to reserve equipment more than 14 days before the date of pickup.
OntarioCamera
At the opposite end of Canada is OntarioCamera. Recently founded in 2015, they focus on renting videography equipment ranging from full camera rigs to completely equipped Sprinter vans!
While OntarioCamera offers a small selection of professional-grade interchangeable lens cameras such as the Sony A7S II, photographers seeking cinema-quality options may want to explore other retailers.
We find two camera lens rental businesses in Australia: Ted`s Cameras and CameraHire.
Ted’s Cameras
Ted’s Cameras, partnering with Studio 19 Rentals, provides a long-term rental program for photographic equipment in addition to their substantial collection of new and used tools.
Equipment rentals have a minimum timeframe of 6 months, which isn`t nearly as adaptable or practical as other agencies. However, if you have special needs, such as an extended trip abroad or a motion picture, this may work to your benefit. Ted’s also offers the option to purchase rental gear, with remaining time deducted towards the total cost of the item in question.
CameraHire
On hoteltonight.com, deals can be found for lodging availability that very evening. Last-minute discounts are provided since unoccupied rooms are marketed on the site to ensure they are filled before the night begins.
Insurance on rental gear is simply 9% of the rental charge. This covers unintentional loss and harm, theft, and covers equipment while in transit within Australia.
Unlike Ted`s Cameras, CameraHire has a stronger emphasis on videography. Their selection includes mostly cinema lenses and camera bodies such as the Panasonic GH5 and Z Cam E2 4K.
How to rent camera gear
Let’s delve into how to lease photography gear. While choosing new pieces of equipment is fairly subjective, there are some specifics to the photography gear rental process worth understanding. We’ll explore several questions and mental notes that should be part of your decision-making process below!
1. Local vs. online Camera rental?
Local photo equipment rentals offer distinct advantages compared to online rentals. For one, you can circumvent shipping charges by selecting up your camera lease face to face. You also prevent shipping issues, like missing or taken packages, and need not be present to sign for a delivery. Lastly, you are assisting to back local brick and mortar companies, which desperately necessitate the assistance in the Amazon era.
Online camera tools rentals are difficult to disregard, however. By leasing through the internet, you can widen your selection if your local camera rental companies don’t own certain equipment. If you don’t reside near a significant city, having packages delivered directly to your entrance is far more convenient than hours driving to and from the rental business. Lastly, online camera gear rental companies have lower prices because many don’t maintain a physical storefront. In the end, I always rent at online camera rental companies. When I am in the USA, LensRentals is the company I use.
2. Choose a Camera rental company with great customer service
When renting for the first time, set your mind at ease by exploring customer feedback regarding the company in question. Look for reviews on websites like TrustPilot, Google Maps, and Yelp to get a sense of how satisfied their clients tend to be.
Outstanding customer service in the form of an extensive choice, swift transportation, quick replies, and minimal serious inconveniences are qualities indicative of an ideal camera rental business. No organization is flawless. However, if issues like belated arrivals or obtaining the incorrect camera lens rental occur consistently, they are likely a company to avoid.
3. Make sure they offer Camera rental insurance
Rental insurance is tremendously important because circumstances cannot be fully controlled. A rogue wave at the beach, an inattentive bicyclist, or a careless child could easily cause irreparable damage to rented camera or lens equipment.
Nearly all camera rental companies offer it as an add-on for extra fees. While it may stretch your budget, we strongly advise picking up rental protection. Otherwise, an accident beyond your control may leave you responsible for thousands of dollars out of pocket.
4. Check if the photography gear rental is available for your dates
Deciding dates well ahead is crucial. Even with large camera rental companies like LensRentals, there is much demand. A popular, versatile lens like a 70-200mm f/2.8 may be booked weeks before by several people simultaneously.
Keep in mind rental agencies also block out dates to ensure time for the lens to arrive and depart from the photographer’s locations. A 3 day rental by one photographer on the other side of the country may actually take up a week or more of rental calendar space!
5. Place your Camera gear rental order
When establishing your camera apparatus lease order, you want to provide yourself as much time as conceivable for the tools to arrive. Not only because of individuals ahead of you but on the off chance of postponements because of the Postal Service or different difficult to foresee events. On the off chance that you plot for your bundle showing up on the day of the outing and a conveyance deferral happens, you may discover yourself with a significant predicament. Moreover, having your photo hardware rental in hand the day preceding guarantees you can suitably test your transient gear for any issues and follow up promptly with the camera renting organization on the off chance that important.
Don’t forget additional gear to go with your photo equipment rental. If you decide to take a wide-angle lens for landscapes on your backcountry trip, you’ll likely need an appropriately sized polarizing or neutral density filter!
6. Enjoy your Camera rental!
Now that you have a brand new technological gadget at your disposal, it`s time to make the most of your camera lens rental by heading out for your scheduled photoshoot! Be certain to handle it with great care while enjoying yourself and if you end up loving it, possibly look into a purchase soon.
7. Ship your photo gear rental back
When returning your photography equipment rental, you’ll want to be as precise as possible. Packaging frequently doesn’t reform quite how you anticipate; taking a photograph of how the camera or lens is arranged can facilitate returning it to the camera rental supplier.
Keeping the shipping package is also crucial; most rental equipment comes with a pre-addressed return label intended to be attached to the box. Numerous companies, such as LensRentals, also utilize FedEx, UPS, and other private shipping companies. By scanning the label and attaching it to the provided box, you can return the rental equipment with little effort .
How much does camera rental cost?
Let’s examine a few test case scenarios through LensRentals, to gain an idea for the costs involved.
For our first scenario, let’s suppose I want to try my initial photo equipment rental for a landscape trip to the Canadian Rockies. I might opt for the tested and reliable Nikon D810 and Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 combination for 7 days.
Scenario 2 involves a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife safari in Africa, where I’ll need the extensive reach of the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS, a $2000 lens.
And our final plausible situation involves obtaining an additional A9 camera body as a backup for 2 days of wedding or sporting event photography coverage.
How is the cost divided up?
Photo Gear Rental Fees
- 7-day Landscape Kit (Nikon D810 + Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8:): $104 for D810, $71 for Sigma 14-24mm
- 15-day Safari Lens (Sony FE 200-600mm): $105
- 2-day Event Camera (Sony A9): $221
Camera Rental Insurance Fees
- 7-day Landscape Kit (Nikon D810 + Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8:): $16 LensCap/$24 LensCap+ for D810, $12 LensCap/$18 LensCap+ for 14-24mm f/2.8
- 15-day Safari Lens (Sony FE 200-600mm): $16 LensCap/$24 LensCap+
- 2-day Event Camera (Sony A9): $34 LensCap/$51 LensCap+
Camera Rental Shipping Fees
- 7-day Landscape Kit (Nikon D810 + Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8:) FedEx Standard Shipping: $30, UPS Standard Shipping $36
- 15-day Safari Lens (Sony FE 200-600mm): $25 Fedex Standard Shipping/$30 UPS Standard Shipping
- 2-day Event Camera (Sony A9): $25 FedEx economy delivery/$30 UPS basic shipment
Total price: How much is camera rental?
Total Rental Costs Breakdown including LensCap+ protection:
- 7-day Landscape Kit (Nikon D810 + Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8): $247
- 15-day Safari Lens (Sony FE 200-600mm): $154
- 2-day Event Camera (Sony A9): $297
In all three circumstances, you’re viewing substantial savings compared to owning these specialized cameras and bodies separately. Remember that you can also utilize a 15% discount in LensRentals when booking through our link and code:
Conclusion: Is Camera rental worth it?
Thanks to online connectivity, obtaining camera equipment rentals has never been simpler or more cost effective. Renting camera gear in the USA is particularly convenient, given the wide selection and reach of companies such as BorrowLenses and LensRentals. But other nations have comparable services that allow expanding one`s options when needed, like the UK’s LensPimp and Australia’s CameraHire.
As we are all concerned about unexpected situations that could result in needing to pay additional money, camera rental insurance provides reassurance as well as coverage. Testing a lens or camera body before purchase allows you to take your time by utilizing the equipment in real world conditions. And many agencies also offer discounts if purchased after the rental period. Regardless of whether you prefer picking up locally or having online deliveries to your home, there is a photography equipment rental agency available that is just right for each person`s needs.!
