Rent a lens?

What do you think? There are a few companies doing it now, and lenses such as the 70-200mm IS f/2.8 are VERY attractive at £45 for a weekend. Any experience?
http://www.hireacamera.com/cameras/l...on/c70200d.asp

It is certainly something I have considered, especially for rather expensive lenses I might be tempted if I was going away and didn't want to spend a vast amount on a lens I probably would not use much again, or one where the cost is simply too prohibitive to justify making the purchase. I would also be tempted to hire to try a lens out, before making a purchase.

That's actually a very neat idea - especially for people just starting out in the photography business

Cheers folks, may look into this a bit more. I have been recommended to a company called "Fixation"
http://www.fixationuk.com

I have hired all sorts of camera equipment before, when doing corporate shoots mostly.
This has included the camera itself, various lenses, sound and lighting equipment, monitors, you name it.

I have never had a problem yet, and most hire companies offer the best gear at fantastic rates.

I've never hired photography equipment before though, but I imagine the level of service would be on a par with the TV hire companies.

In fact, now that I think about it, a month or so ago, I was at a photo call, and a Spanish newspaper photographer's shutter jammed, 25 mins before the event started. He was obviously quite distressed. One of the other snappers suggested he go into the city centre, and try Jessops.
He did this, and managed to get a like for like camera ( Canon 1ds mkIII I believe ) there and then, for a very reasonable hire price. This also included the hire of 2 lenses, batteries etc. He was well chuffed !

It would certainly be worth a try ( imho )

I looked into hiring a lens when i was going to take pics of the wolves in aviemore... Then i thought... I could just buy a lens, then just sell it if i dont want to keep it... I ended up keeping it anyway. But if it was a lens well over my budget and i didnt need it for more than a week or so, I'd look into renting for sure... if the price was right..

I was reading about this the other day and thought it might be a good idea for when we go back to the cottage (Loch Sunart) in July as I'll have a new camera then but possibly not the lens I want.

I would worry about bashing it though.

im sure they'll provide some kind of insurance option... if not, i guess you could get insurance yourself.

Loch Sunart looks nice and tranquil wouldnt mind a visit there...

We had a big family get together in cabins in Starthyre. Was great. One of the best holidays I've had in a long time.

http://www.forestholidays.co.uk/our_...strathyre.aspx

I'll post some pics of the cottage for you

Cheers all. I think if I have somewhere really nice to go, I may have a bash!