Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · NPN Discussion

Ideas on renting big glass?

Discussion

8 replies
Posted by Donald Gorczynski on February 2, 2007 at 1:01 PM
I am thinking of going to Alaska in the summer to shoot some wildlife. Since I am not fond of getting eaten, I was thinking of bringing a long lens with a low f stop with me. I currently have a 80/400 vr which I will be shooting from a D70 and N80. I live in MA and was looking into renting from someone for a week or so. I see Catumet has a 400 2.8 for $750 a week but I wanted to see if I could get it cheaper anywhere else. Any ideas? :biggrin:
Posted by Mike Krehbiel on February 2, 2007 at 2:33 PM
Glazers in Seattle has the 500 f4.0 AF - S II for $80 per day but the weekly rate is 4 times that or $320. They have the 600 f4.0 for the same rate. They also rent teleconverters for a small amount if you're interested. If you're really interested in the 400 2.8, they also have that for the same price. I've never rented from them but have spoken with others who have and have had a good experience.
Posted by Rod Barbee on February 2, 2007 at 4:45 PM
I'll second the recommendation for Glazer's in Seattle. I've rented from them a number of times and have never had a problem.
Posted by Kent Staubus on February 2, 2007 at 7:38 PM
Don--

I sent you an email. Let me know if you got it.


Kent in SD
Posted by Lisa Cuchara on February 3, 2007 at 1:19 AM
I've had very good luck with Allen's in PA. I have rented from him three times and two photographers in my camera club have also rented from him).
They don't have much of a website, but he answers the phone tollfree 888-547-2841
http://www.allenscamera.com/
Posted by Liz Stanley on February 19, 2007 at 4:00 PM
I recently rented the 500mm f/4 from lensrentals.com. It was my first experience renting and it went very well. The only bad part was having to send the lens back. :frown: The actual rental itself wasn't that bad ($385 for two weeks), but I added optional insurance and it went up a couple hundred dollars. I'll be going to Alaska in November myself, and if I haven't bought the lens by then, I'll use lensrentals.com again. One thing to keep in mind with is whether insurance (should you choose to get it) would cover the lens while in transit. In my case, it sounds like I'd be better off having the lens shipped to my destination via FedEx so I don't have to worry about issues with insurance and airlines.
Posted by Hank Pennington on February 19, 2007 at 4:38 PM
Add my name the Glazers fan club list. Great folks, great gear, great prices.
Posted by Donald Gorczynski on March 25, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Anyone ever rented from Adorama? I see they have a 300/ f 2.8 that might suit my purpose if I use a telecenverter for some shots.
Posted by Lisa Cuchara on March 25, 2007 at 9:09 PM
I recently saw rentglass.com prices look good but I have no first ahnd experience with them.