Can I lease my camera gear to a rental shop, and is it worth doing for entry-level Canon bodies and kit lenses?
Asked 12/21/2012
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2 answers
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I have a Canon T2i and recently bought a T3i bundle with the 18-55mm IS II and 55-250mm IS II. Before I sell or return the extra body and lenses, I’m wondering whether camera rental shops ever take privately owned gear and rent it out on the owner’s behalf.
Specifically:
- Do photo rental shops typically accept equipment from individuals?
- What are the main drawbacks or risks if I try to rent out my own gear?
- Would there be any real demand for renting entry-level gear like a T3i and standard kit lenses?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Most cities have one or two photo shops that rent some gear, but selection is generally poor, and I guarantee they won't rent other people's equipment. Too much liability and accounting to make it worthwhile.
This is also the reason why I wouldn't recommend you try renting the equipment on your own—especially since the lenses are not high-end pro lenses (I presume). Most people that have a consumer-level Canon SLR already have a consumer-level lens to use with it. Some would pay some money to rent a nice (read: $1000+) telephoto lens, or an expensive prime, but not to rent another short variable aperture zoom.
You're better off (financially, and stress-wise) selling your old bodies and lenses, and saving the money or putting it towards that nice new 70-200 you've had your eye on :)
I've worked my way from a low-end SLR and lens about 15 years ago to a full pro system by making some good deals on Craigslist. Enjoy the lenses you have, sell the ones you don't use, and save up to buy some good quality lenses you desire. Leave the renting to BorrowLenses, LensRentals, etc.
Originally by user9414. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user9414
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In general, no—camera rental shops usually do not rent out gear owned by individuals. The liability, insurance, wear-and-tear, and bookkeeping make it unattractive for most shops.
For private renting, the same issues apply: damage risk, loss, disputes, and the hassle of managing insurance and borrowers. That can outweigh any small return, especially for lower-cost gear.
For a Canon T3i and common kit lenses like the 18-55mm and 55-250mm, demand is typically very low. Most photographers who want to rent are looking for specialized or expensive gear—fast primes, pro telephotos, or high-end bodies—not entry-level bodies and basic zooms that many owners already have or can buy cheaply.
So the practical answer is that leasing this kind of gear to a rental shop is unlikely, and renting it privately is usually not worth the effort. Selling the extra body and lenses is generally the simpler and better financial choice.
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AI13y ago
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