Ever wish you had a particular camera but were not ready to drop the cash to purchase it? Or you wanted to try out a new lens for specialty trips (like a wildlife safari), but wouldn't use it regularly enough to invest in a telephoto lens? I've been there. There is always a new piece of camera gear I'm eyeing for upcoming trips.
And no, you don't need to be a travel writer or content creator to justify renting a camera for an upcoming trip. You may have an exciting vacation coming up and want to bring home some excellent snapshots that feel more special than what a phone can deliver. Sometimes, the answer is to be content with the gear you have and see the restrictions it imposes as a creative challenge in your photography game. But there are times when—for practical or creative reasons—renting camera gear is an option you should consider.
I've rented cameras and lenses many times over the years. In fact, I leased equipment for the first three years after launching the Real Bonne Vivante, and I'm still a very regular customer at Lensrentals.com, depending on my equipment needs for shooting content.
Use promo code 15BONNE for 15% OFF your next rental order at Lensrentals.com.
Reasons to Rent Camera Gear for Your Travels
To Test It Out Before a Purchase
This was the main reason I started renting cameras. When I reached out to my friend who is a commercial photographer, about the lens I needed for an expedition in Brazil, he recommended I test one before committing to any big purchase.
Vacations and trips are expensive, which allowed me to spend more money on travel logistics. Dropping thousands of dollars on any equipment purchase is a big deal for most of us, and renting helps ensure the gear fits your needs well. I recommend lining the rental period up with a short trip or event during your travels where you know you'll be using your camera. This gives you the chance to use it in various travel situations and lighting conditions and get a feel for what it's like to carry it around with you all day.
Specialty Lenses for Unique Travel Shots
There are times when you might want to use a specialty lens that you don't need regularly, especially while traveling. For example, if you're embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife safari, renting a super telephoto lens is probably wiser than spending thousands of dollars on one. Although it might come up infrequently, renting is an excellent solution for such travel occasions.
Test New Gear on the Road
Travel photography is all about capturing the essence of new places. I find that renting different or new equipment is a great creative challenge. Recently, while on a trip, I rented the DJI Mavric 3 drone to capture beautiful overhead shots of dreamy palm tree-lined beaches in the Dominican Republic. If you're already renting a camera for your travels, consider adding something "fun" to play with.
What Makes Lensrentals.com Ideal for Travelers
Photos taken from our recent Nantucket trip on my rented Canon 50mm camera from Lensrentals.com
Exceptional Customer Service
I've been a loyal customer at Lensrentals.com for years for their incredible team and the service they provide. Lensrentals is a company that genuinely cares about its customers and provides expertise to the best equipment needed for their photography goals.
If you're not sure about what type of camera or lens you need, send them a quick email, and they are happy to recommend honest opinions about what brand, model, or equipment add-ons are best suited for you. I also experienced some problems on a trip and worked closely with their support team to resolve them. The entire team was amazing and went the extra mile to help us.
High Quality and Professionalism
From their web presence to packaging, I have found everything to be high quality and consistently great experiences over many years. Every order has arrived perfectly packaged, immaculately cleaned, and inspected optically and physically to guarantee customers have compatible, working equipment.
Punctuality, Especially for Travelers
I placed a last-minute order after the shipping cutoff, which still went out that day (although I don't recommend doing this). And I've never had a package arrive late (keep reading in the "Tips" section for some advice on this!
Extensive Selection of Camera Gear
They have always had what I wanted in stock. Lensrentals.com has one of the most comprehensive rental inventories in the U.S.
Effortless Returns
Returning rented gear is a breeze, even while traveling. It's just packing it back up, adding the return shipping label they send, and taping it up. And yes, they even include packing tape, so you don't need to rummage around the house for your spare tape roll.
Insider Tips for Your Next Camera Rental Order
Get the Insurance for Peace of Mind
While insurance is a personal decision, having peace of mind about the expensive equipment you're renting is a relief while traveling. In 2006, Lensrentals was the first photographic rental company to offer its customers an optional damage waiver program. Since then, they have continued to develop new insurance options like the Lensrentals LensCap and LensCap+. The Lenscap protection plans are optional add-ons that limit your liability in the case of a covered event causing damage or total loss of products on your rental. This boils down to three insurance options: no insurance, damage-only coverage, or damage and theft protection.
I always get the damage insurance on cameras and lenses, but only sometimes on accessories. I'll also get the theft coverage based on where I use the gear. Usually, there is more risk if I'm traveling abroad, so it's a no-brainer in places with a reputation for theft. Get more details on the Lensrentals insurance options here.
Make Sure You Have the Small Accessories
I have a library of camera equipment like SD cards, my personal camera straps, and cloth wipes that I pull from for trips. Every order comes with the camera, battery, charger, and a protective case. Unless you're ordering a package, don't assume it comes with a lens or SD card to save your images. On a last-minute order before a weekend getaway, I thought it came with an SD card. When I arrived and was about to shoot, I couldn't take any photos because I forgot I usually brought my own!
I had to overnight one from Amazon and pick it up at the hotel concierge the next day. You could also stop by an electronic store if you stay downtown. Regardless, I missed a full day of shooting!
Plan for Your Travel Schedule
When scheduling your rental, ensure it arrives at least a day before you need it for your travels. This buffer day accounts for potential delays or unforeseen issues. Every order arrived on time, but I prefer to be safe than sorry. Unless you plan to travel with the empty large box and case, you must schedule the drop-off date once you get back home on the closest weekday.
Alternatively, I have had equipment shipped directly to the hotel when I arrive and return it before heading home if I know there is a FedEx nearby. While this helps with reducing costs if you only need it for specific days or have a ton of luggage, always check with the hotel for their policy on personal shipments to the hotel. Never have it shipped to an Airbnb or VRBO.
Never Pack Your Camera Equipment in Your Checked Luggage
This is a no-brainer, but always bring your camera as your carry-on, which reduces the risk of damage in transit, getting lost with your luggage, or extreme temperature fluctuations. If traveling with a simple camera setup (just the body and lens), I will put it in my handbag with protective packaging so it won't move around.
Amazon has excellent (and affordable) carry-on rollers with padding and removable separation inserts if I have more complex gear, like multiple cameras, lenses, or drones. Don't have enough equipment to fill it? Pack your essential clothes for the trip around it.
Be Inconspicuous while Traveling
I don't carry obvious bags that show I have expensive gear inside of them, especially on international trips. This makes you an immediate target for thieves at the baggage claim or even exploring a city on foot. Regardless of where I'm shooting, but particularly in large cities, I'll shoot and immediately put it back in a bag or purse. I will never hang it over my shoulder, walk around, or put it on a table when eating at a restaurant. You never know who is watching and waiting for you around the corner or outside the establishment's safety.
Of course, this is different on wildlife trips. You're often with a guide, have a vehicle, and are in very remote places. Animals don't see the value in a shiny, expensive object — unless you're dealing with primates!
Conclusion
Renting camera gear can be a game-changer for your travel photography. Whether you want to test equipment, explore new creative avenues, or tackle unique travel photography challenges, renting can open entirely new horizons for gear that is accessible to you. We've partnered with Lensrentals to offer The Real Bonne Vivante readers an exclusive promo on your next order. Use our code 15BONNE for 15% off your next order with Lensrentals.com.
This post may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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