Why Renting Lenses Might Be the Smartest Move for Photographers

As photographers, we are always chasing that next perfect piece of glass, the one that brings our vision to life. But before spending thousands of dollars on a lens, it can be smart to take it for a real-world test drive. That is exactly what I did recently when I decided to rent a telephoto lens.

I was torn between a few options and didn’t want to commit before seeing how each performed in the field and this is why renting lenses might be the smartest move for photographers. Renting gave me the freedom to test the lens without the pressure of buying. For anyone in a similar situation, this approach is not only cost effective but also incredibly insightful.

iPhone pic of the setup on the Sony A7CR + 400-800mm G F6.3-8 OSS. In the field at Great Sands Dunes National Park at the end of September 2025.

Finding the Right Rental Company

My first plan was to rent locally in Denver, but the prices were higher and the lens I wanted was out of stock. That led me to LensRentals, a company I found online and did minimal research prior but, read good reviews.

The process was seamless. As a new client, I was approved in less than twenty-four hours, and the lens shipped right away. It even arrived a day early, which was the best surprise when you are counting down to a trip.

The packaging was impressive. The lens arrived in great condition, safely secured, and included everything needed for an easy return. They even added packaging tape and a prepaid UPS return label in the box. Those details mattered because I was taking the lens on a ten day road trip.

Testing compression at Great Sands Dunes NP. ISO 100 | 400mm | F9 | 1/125s. September 2025.

Road Trip Tested

Traveling with the lens gave me the chance to see how it performed across different settings, from open landscapes to wildlife. But of course, no road trip goes perfectly.

Halfway through, I got a flat tire on a Sunday. Every tire shop was closed, and I ended up losing a day and a half inside a national park. My rental was due back on Monday, so I contacted LensRentals to explain and asked if I could extend the return by a day, expecting to pay for the extra time.

Their response came within a couple of hours. They were kind, understanding, and told me not to worry about it. They let me keep the lens an extra day at no cost. That simple act of empathy turned a great experience into an unforgettable one.

The best way to test the capabilities was to visit Rocky Mountain NP. I love how the lens creates beautiful creamy separation, limited noise with such a high iso and sharp being this shot is handheld. The autofocus inside the lens and my A7CR camera body was insanely good; almost felt like I was cheating, haha. ISO 1000 | 597mm | F8 | 1/800s. October 2025.

Why I’ll Keep Renting

LensRentals made everything easy from start to finish. The process was smooth, the product was flawless, and their customer service was outstanding.

If you are unsure what lens to buy or want to try something new for your next adventure, I highly recommend renting first. You will learn what fits your style before making a big purchase, and if you choose LensRentals, you might end up with a favorite company too.

You can check them out at www.lensrentals.com. If you decide to rent, use my referral link https://share.lensrentals.com/x/wAoxKq for $25 off your first order. It also gives me $25 toward my next rental, so it’s a win-win for both of us.

xo,

-J

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