Photography gear can be expensive – sometimes you just need a special lens, camera body or lighting equipment temporarily. Be it for an assignment, project or just to try before you buy.
Many online photographic rental companies are popping up now – especially with the economy in some turmoil (in the US specifically) cause investing in new equipment isn’t always a priority as landing the right gigs to support more investments. And for those of us who prefer photography as a hobby – rental is often a great solution.
Most rental retailers deal primarily with Nikon and Canon equipment but some places rent Olympus, Sony, AlienBees and much more!
Here’s a list and details on reputable lens and equipment rental companies that do online/shipping for rental equipment across the US.
Borrowed Lenses is a great place to rent camera bodies, lenses, accessories, portable studio equipment and even camera bags!
Borrowed lenses
They carry:
- Canon Camera Bodies
- Canon Lenses
- Nikon Camera Bodies
- Nikon Lenses
- Tripods & Heads
- Lightmeters
- Tripods & Heads
- Lighting
- Camera Bags
- And More!
They’re located in San Mateo, CA and do local 3day (pick-up only) rentals. Otherwise they do rentals for 1-4 weeks (listed on the website) at really good prices. Renting a camera or lens is a great idea for an important shoot where you would benefit from more quality than you usual camera or to test drive some new equipment before you buy it. See their great (***** five star) Yelp reviews!
They also do sensor cleaning for only $45!!
Glass and Gear
Glass and Gear is located in Amherst, NH and do 3 day rentals locally through Hunt’s Photo in Manchester NH. Their website says they are planning to expand to rent through other Hunt’s locations (there are a number in the New England area!)
They rent:
Rent Glass
Rent Glass does rentals for 1-3 weeks at a time although their selection seems much smaller than borrowed lenses and Glass and gear.
They rent and ship:
You can follow them on Twitter @rentglass. They now operate out of Kansas City, KS (previously Orlando FL) and do allow for pickup but don’t list a special 3 day pickup rental period like most of the other lens and equipment rental places listed.
Lens Rentals
Lens Rentals is one of the few rental places that lists more than just Nikon and Canon. They list some other great camera manufacturers.
They Rent:
They are also the only rental place that I’ve seen that has a dedicated iPhone app (a lovely and well organized looking app too!). They’re bassed out of Memphis, TN and while they offer local pickup the shortest rental period they offer at this time is 1 week.
Pro Photo Rentals
Pro Photo Rentals is based out of Boulder, CO and they offer a 4+ day rental options. They don’t force you into weeks – you can rent a lens for however long you like (4 day minimum.) They do offer a local pickup for you Boulder Colorado local folks!
They Rent:
- Canon Cameras, Lenses & Accessories
- Nikon Cameras, Lenses & Accessories
- Olympus Cameras, Lenses & Accessories
You can find Pro Photo Rental on both Twitter @prophotorental and Flickr.
Aperture Rent
Aperturent is our last camera and lens rental service. They are run out of the Atlanta GA area and do offer 3 day local pick-up only rental terms. Otherwise their rental time frames are between 7 – 30 days (weekly.)
They Rent:
You can find Aperturent on Twitter @aperturent on flickr or facebook.
You have provided a good information regarding Online Photography Gear Rental
Hello,
i would like to know if this store is located anywhere in GA?
For me, I’d probably be looking at a local rental place instead of doing rentals online. I just have a fear that something would get damaged or lost when shipping. If you ordered the lens for a wedding or special event, you’d have to give yourself a backup option in case the gear didn’t come in time.
ATS is simpy amazing!