Went to Iceland last week and decided to rent a 16-35mm canon lens. I had a choice between calumet and lensrentals, and because calumet was local (I went to the one in cambridge Ma) and the same price, I chose calumet. A few dissapointments. the lens tested out fine, I brought my body along to make sure it focused properly, which it did. The first issue I had was that calumet does not offer insurance. This is a huge plus for lensrentals, and something I just assumed calumet offered. I checked it out and took it home. Upon further inspection, the filter on the lens was bent on the rim, the lens had obviously been dropped. Also, the zoom ring was VERY loose. Like loose enough to be a problem. It was too late to go back and exchange it, I had to use it on the trip. It worked fine, but I didnt really have an confidence in the equipment.
the rental from calumet was more expensive, and the lensrental lens was a second generation 16-35 instead of calumet's first generation. Because of the quality of the lens, and the fact that they dont offer insurance, I wont be renting from calumet. It was my first time renting a lens, so maybe I should have done mroe research, I guess I was just expecting more. Live and learn!
If I was renting in the US (I'm in the UK) I think I would always choose LR .
if for no other reason than Roger is a very well posted and respected member on here.
Calumet hire over here but are just about the most expensive.
EG a weeks hire of a 70-200mk2
Calumet £152 + Vat and damage waiver
Fixation £140 + Vat and insurance
Lenses For Hire £91 inc VAT & Insurance
When you rent from a brick-and-mortar store, you are paying for all their overhead--advertising, retail presence, salaries, etc. It's never a good deal, and it's only a last resort for people who have to have it NOW. That means the usual renters are working professionals who have just lost/damaged their gear and need a replacement on site ASAP. Because of the immediacy of their need, these rentals are expensive and don't offer insurance, because your commercial insurance or employer would cover it and you'd have the appropriate documentation. Otherwise, you would have to put down a deposit in excess of the full retail value of the item.
That's right, they want you to deposit the cost of a new lens even though you were given an old beater that's nowhere near worth that price.
In short, in-store rental services are not for the casual customer, or even many self-employed professionals. They're for the industry pros (e.g., working for studios or commercial clients), as an emergency last resort. For the rest of us, mail-order services like LensRentals are the way to go.
The only reason why some of these brick-and-mortar shops are still around is because they continue to be patronized by industry professionals, who need same-day service. These are the guys who get their asses kissed when they come in, because that's where the real money is. The fact that they also draw in noobs who haven't realized they're overpaying and getting snotty attitude, is just gravy to them. There is the occasional local shop that services a small but loyal clientele, but these are becoming increasingly rare.
