BorrowLenses vs Lensrentals - Secret Rental Competition

[@amosdasilva]

Very good, thank you

[@douglasbawden3134]

I have rented from BorrowLenses and Samy's in the past. I've now purchased enough of what I need that I do not see the need to rent gear. In fact, I'm looking to start renting out some of my excess gear that I've accumulated or gear that I use infrequently.

[@davidlide6941]

There is a brand new kid on the block called Camera Leader which is based in Panama City Beach, Florida.

[@spicelee8199]

borrow lenses forwards to Lensrentals

[@brenadavis8131]

I have not rented a camera or lenses from any places but I am curious of rentals and brands to try out and see if I want to get back in shooting I have filmed old cameras that none are digital and I know most canons and other cameras are digital and thought if it was cheap I may go ahead and try a brand out and see how easy and switch to another brand and I want to know if the lenses I have from film cameras will work on the digital especially if it’s same brand Brena

[@ChetDaFilmer95]

Does rentals require a 1000$ security deposit or do they only charge the rental fee?

[@grateful786]

They wanted to put a hold on my credit card for 1/2 the cost of the gear. This was the first time I was trying to rent. They asked me so many questions and back and forth emails. Then they said I was not approved and would have to pay a $1300 deposit. I was so annoyed that I canceled the order. What a horrible way to treat your customers! This was Lensrentals.

[@alexanderarena3134]

really appreciate this video. Helps put my skeptical side at ease. Currently need a lens in a pinch. THank you!

[@steve.hamlin.artist]

Thank you for an informative video. I've never rented camera gear before, but I'm considering it for some pre-purchase tests. This is a very good comparison of the two companies I'd be most likely to rent from.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Ive never rented but I started thinking about how often I would actually need a telephoto and now its a no brainer. It makes way more sense to pay $100 to try something than get stuck with a $3000 lens that you can't sell.

[@jasonedlund7282]

Just came across this video! Only reason I rent from lensrental is because I live in Memphis area and can just pick up and save money on shipping

[@blackmexico6513]

how is the verification process with them i have tried borrowlens but it was kinda to long for me is lensrental any diff like asking to send in id or take a picture with it i have heard that lens rental is more laid back in that sense and just question of what you are going to do with the gear or is that not correct

[@smpayne2]

I just had one bad experience when returning. They send the stuff out FedEx express, but do NOT send it back through a FedEx express driver. I didn't realize that I had to actually take it to the FexEx office vs handing it to the driver that comes to my office daily for the return. I handed it to the driver at 4:30 when he arrived, but because it was a ground shipment it was marked as a late delivery, since it had to be re-routed internally at FedEx. I got dinged for an extra day of rental.

[@MyAmericanMorning]

I have rented lenses from both companies; my experience was identical to yours. Both companies are great. I've rented to test potential purchases and I've rented to use gear I could not afford to buy. The only drawback to renting is an unexpected and prolonged stretch of bad weather during the rental period. Fortunately, when that happened to me, I was able to extend the rental period.

[@MichaelScrip]

I've been renting stuff from LensRentals since 2009 and it's always been a pleasure!

[@carlmarch603]

I’m heading to the rain forest in Costa Rica and decided to try out a 400mm f/2.8 vs a 600mm f/4.0 given the rather low light conditions there (a trade off of speed vs. reach). So, I rented both from BL for a week to test them out. I opted for the full insurance which covers theft and “liquid” damage in addition to damage from dropped, glass, etc. With no indication of their policy ahead of time, after the rental was confirmed and paid for, I got an email from BL which said I either must name them as insured on a policy for the full amount of the replacement cost or else have my credit card on hold for over $20K of gear. The whole process seemed like false advertising to me - pay up for insurance that covers everything, but it actually doesn’t...

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Did they say why you needed an additional policy?

[@carlmarch603]

Apparently, it’s standard for both BL and LR to require additional insurance with expensive items. Trouble is, this policy is in the FAQ section instead of just being up front when one is renting...

[@michaelbowyer5222]

Lensrentals is great but don't ever use standard shipping with them. Pay for the guaranteed overnight delivery. I have had three rentals with shipping issues with them, which were ultimately FedEx's fault but they have no other courier option. I really hate it when companies don't offer options with courier companies.

[@RichardBO9]

Great video. I have rented 8 times from Lens Rentals and always been impressed with the service, awesome condition of the gear, and the communication. I rented a Z7 and 24-70 a couple of weeks ago from them and had it sent to my workplace rather than my house. They called me about 10 minutes after I placed the order to confirm that’s where I wanted the gear delivered. I appreciate that level of detail and customer service. And it’s little touches like their “release the fun” tape which create a great vibe and put a smile on your face. I also appreciate that the owner of the company writes a blog where he tests lenses and posts real-world mtf charts. Awesome company.

[@readwithDavid]

I've only rented from lensrentals and once a lens was broken which I had insurance for and it covered the break. I've only had positive experiences with lensrentals.

[@betterthanamasterofone]

I have rented from both, and haven't had any issues with either. The last couple of times I've used Lensrentals, because I believe their insurance options were better (I always get all the insurance), but I wouldn't hesitate to rent from Borrowlenses if I needed to.

[@EdwardIglesias]

I've used BorrowLenses a couple of times and found them great to work with. One time I was going to be in LA for a concert that I knew would be very low light and I got a Sony A7S and 50mm 1.4 lens from them that did the job nicely.

[@randysherman7724]

Every experience I have ever had, probably 20 or more, with LensRentals was totally satisfying. My only experience with Borrow Lenses was extremely unsatisfying. I rented the very expensive Nikon D4 and in addition to the rental cost, I had to send the FULL PURCHASE PRICE as a deposit! Even after they acknowledged getting the camera back, it took TEN more business days for them to redeposit the money back to my account. Needless to say I do not have $7,000 laying around. Perhaps they don't have this policy any more but Lens Rentals is so good, I have never bothered to test Borrow Lenses again!

[@LeighAndRaymond]

Yikes! Luckily, I didn't have to provide any sort of deposit.

[@blackmexico6513]

how is the verification process with them i have tried borrowlens but it was kinda to long for me and the deposit was a no go for me is lensrental any diff like asking to send in id or take a picture with it or the deposits for gear i have heard that lens rental is more laid back in that sense and just questions you of what you are going to do with the gear or is that not correct adn depending on that you have to deposit which is rare

[@randysherman7724]

@@blackmexico6513 You will love LensRentals! A few years ago they merged w/ another rental company whose hallmark was all rentals shipped in Pelican cases so now all rentals are shipped this way! I have never been charged a deposit by them. If you buy from them it is always a sweet deal and they credit a portion of the rental.

[@awksedgreep]

Such a great video. I've considered renting but never pulled the trigger. Now I may.

[@LeighAndRaymond]

It really is a good option if you don't want to or aren't ready to purchase. :)

[@silentm6]

100% agree with everything you said; have rented from both and super happy with both. As a Leica renter, Lensrentals has a little more of a selection, but get discount emails from both and find myself renting equipment because of the discounts.

[@dondenis1500]

I have rented form a couple local retailers in my area, it is a good way to see if you want to buy down the road.

[@bassangler73]

Thanks for the info

[@dangalender8748]

I rented the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 from BorrowLenses for the Yellowknife trip and was extremely surprised at how easy and convenient it was. OK, it have helped that they have an office less than 30 minutes from my house. The condition and quality of the lens were both suburb. The lens came with the same quality thick fabric case as a Sony G Master lens does.

[@callline7183]

I've rented a nikon200-500mm zoom lens to compare with my Tamron 150-600mm before buying, and to allow both my daughter and myself to have a good wildlife lenses for a trip we took together. It went great and I would definitely recommend them as a place to rent as well.

[@idratherberidingnow]

Great video. I rented from Borrow Lenses and had an overall great experience. I am somewhat baffled at the length of time it has been since the camera arrived at their warehouse and my order has still not cleared inspection. Its been 5 days and no word. Is this normal?

[@zeroamityandmonster1311]

Great video as always. Keep up the good work, support from South Africa.

[@jimhuffman6753]

I’ve rented from lens rentals almost since their beginning. Perhaps 30+ times. If I need something short term, or want to play before buying, they are my go to. I’ve had a few occasions to get a bit of extra help, and they’ve always been responsive and helpful. I’ve never tried borrowed lenses because... lens rentals has never given me a reason to. They continue to improve, are honest, and they go the extra mile. And I prefer loyalty. In this day when so many people only look at the bottom line cost, I prefer loyalty and relationships. They may not know me, but at least they treat me like they do. And that matters to me. I’m in business for myself, and have never lost a client. I treat companies like lens rentals with the same respect!

[@Jvxsfferfbjes53]

Lenrentals are great for me. Easy to navigate through their website. And the shipping is great with hard case equipment inside. They also include lollipops lol.

[@hoffer1120]

Lensprotogo is my preferred rental company.