Renting cameras and lenses are a great way for you to try out equipment you may be planning on purchasing. Acquiring the right tools when you don’t own them and and can’t justify purchasing. I began renting lenses as far back as 2009 and found the process of renting and returning the equipment extremely easy. Renting photographic equipment makes great sense under the following circumstances:

• You want to try a specific camera or lens but you’re not sure if it’s the one you want to keep. With most resellers charging restocking fees for returns, renting becomes a great option as most likely the rental fees will cost less.

• You would like to rent a Pro level camera or super-telephoto lens for a week or two a year, such as a 600mm f/4. With such lenses costing $9,000 to over $20,000 for a 1200mm f/5.6 new, renting the lens becomes the sensible decision unless you intent to use the lens full-time as a professional.

• You are a professional photographer and pass on the expense of gear rental to your client as part of total compensation.

• I can imagine many other scenarios where renting camera gear makes financial sense.