Renting Lenses

[fantasmic2tek]

I am going to do another photo shoot at the end of the month and I found this local place that rents lenses. What do y'all think about renting lenses? Any recommendations for shooting a Civil War Reenactment. I like my 55-200 lens but I am finding I just am not able to get as close as I would like too. If I could get closer to the action with the lens that would make the shots more dramatic.

[smc1377]

All I got to say is to thoroughly test the lens in all conditions if this is a paid shoot. I rented a lens (Canon 16-35 f2.8L) once for a pretty important shoot and tested it only in daylight conditions and it was fine. But after using indoors with lower light, I found that about 75% of those pictures taken indoors in dimmer light were backfocused. This was not apparent in my preview screen either. It wasn't until I was post-processing that I noticed that the focus was just slightly off. Me not happy camper.

[fantasmic2tek]

If I od decide to rent one I will get it a few days in advance so that I can check it out and get familiar with it. It will not be paid but I will have an opportunity to sell the photos.

[OsmosisStudios]

I rented a fisheye for a trip I took recently. I dont think I would ever buy one, but it was fun to have.

Just make sure you read all the fine: some of their rules can be rather strict.

[fantasmic2tek]

Thank you I have downloaded the rental agreement. They also have a damage waiver. You pay 15% of the repair cost of the lens if you damage it. Now I have to decide what size lens to rent. I am shooting about 300 yards maximum. Any suggestions I would also like to be able to use it for close shots as well.

[smc1377]

300 yards!?!?

Thats 3 football fields away!

In that case, I'd recommend...

http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/le...49&navigator=3

[fantasmic2tek]

Originally Posted by smc1377

300 yards!?!?

Thats 3 football fields away!

In that case, I'd recommend...

http://www.sigma-photo.com/lenses/le...49&navigator=3

LOL I haven't found one of those to rent. That is almost what I make in a year. How about a lens smaller than that. The biggest lens I have is a Canon 55 - 200mm lens. Perhaps I misjudged the distance. Something a little more conservative.

[Jim Bryant]

See if they have a 400 or 500mm. When I shot the Battle for Mobile Bay at Ft. Morgan, I was pretty much able to get close to them. Not in front, but from the side or back. Go look at my posts. How to add visual story telling. part1

[fantasmic2tek]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

See if they have a 400 or 500mm. When I shot the Battle for Mobile Bay at Ft. Morgan, I was pretty much able to get close to them. Not in front, but from the side or back. Go look at my posts. How to add visual story telling. part1

My choices are on this website at this link Jim. Thanks again. I will get those pics up soon. I am planning on using one of them in a this week's contest.

Here is the link. http://thelensdepot.com/shopping/sta...browse=1&cat=3

[Jim Bryant]

If you can get the 400mm get that one. You'll need to use a monopod in low light situations. Are you planning on spending the night and getting evening stuff as well?