Where To Rent, Sell, & Buy Camera Lenses For Cheap

Why Pay More?

Purchasing new camera gear can be ridiculously expensive, even for those willing to pay the high price tag. Creators wanting to expand their photographic vision require various perspectives, but at what cost? Why does creating art have to be so damn financially demanding? Well, it doesn’t have to be.

Fortunately, there are a plethora of online gear marketplaces, and many of them offer absolute bargains on used gear. Many sites also encourage users to upload their equipment to generate extra cash. Because several sites survey the conditions of load sold, the camera gear is in perfect working order. Tons of hobbyists and professional photographers or filmmakers often sell their lenses to these retailers when they’re ready to upgrade, and the retailers then repackage them for online purchase. Everyone wins in this scenario — the previous owner can get value from their old gear, and the retailer can benefit from extra sales.

Additionally, you need to find which camera lens is right for you before purchasing, even if previously owned. Many artists get ahead by purchasing pricey gear, only to realize it wasn’t worth their investment. That’s why knowing where to rent or try camera lenses is the move.

Buy reduced; try for less. Here is a comprehensive list of places to rent, resell, and buy lenses for cheap.

Affordable Lenses

Start with Tamron or Sigma Lenses

If you’re unfamiliar with top 3rd party lens brands like Tamron or Sigma, let us introduce you.

Many photographers or filmmakers are attached to the more expensive, top-shelf lenses from Sony or Fujifilm. While keeping your lenses compatible with your chosen camera body is more convenient, pricey upgrades are not your only option.

Their optics and tech have evolved so much that you can barely notice the difference. Some Sigma and Tamron lenses are better than their original counterparts. These are often available in all popular camera lens mounts, so you should be able to use any of these regardless of your DSLR or mirrorless camera brand. Not to mention, going with Sigma or Tamron can save you some serious cash.

Local Camera Shops

The most obvious route to turn to if you’re unable to find what you’re looking for online is to travel to a local camera shop. These shops often conjure the best price possible and don’t procure a high-end price tag like what other sellers like to pull on the web.

Local camera shops typically provide a more personalized shopping experience. The staff often consists of photography enthusiasts and professionals who can offer expert advice based on your specific needs and preferences. This personalized guidance is invaluable for both beginners unsure of what they need and experienced photographers looking for something specific.

Another significant advantage of local camera shops is the ability to test equipment before purchasing. You can physically handle the lenses, attach them to your camera, and take a few test shots to see how they perform. This hands-on experience can help you make a more informed decision and avoid the disappointment of receiving a lens that doesn't meet your expectations when ordered online.

Plus, above all else, you're supporting local business and giving your cash back into the community that directly affects the creators around you.

Places To Rent & Resell Lenses

If you need to rent a lens for a photo shoot or sell your old gear to finance a new purchase, consider exploring some of the top online marketplaces.

Lensrentals

Lensrentals is the largest online rental provider for photography, videography, and lighting equipment and accessories in the United States. They ship gear to customers in all 50 states and provides in-person pickups and returns to local customers. Lensrentals serves hundreds of thousands of photographers and videographers annually, always while maintaining the values of our founder – share the best available equipment at its optimum quality and educate and provide support to our customers to ensure they can achieve their goals regardless of experience level.

eBay

eBay is easily the most trusted and long-lasting marketplace site available to creators an consumers. While eBay is not strict about camera gear, it is a top place for many analog enthusiasts because it is a highly trusted source of purchase. Camera lenses are favored here for many reasons, as sellers must filter their honorable equipment conditions, including a lenient return policy.

Hot tip: Japan-located specific sellers are the most regarded in the photographer community, even more hyper-specific to film cameras and vintage lenses. It seems as though there could be a template they have seemingly followed to conjure a reliable experience, but if it works, it works.

Etsy

Predominantly known for vintage items or handmade goods sold by anyone willing to be crafty, Etsy is also an excellent option for anyone looking to resell their old camera gear. However, this website is better for older lenses, as Etsy’s policies favor vintage goods aged 20 years or more. No renting lenses here either, but the next best option is to take a chance on gorgeous older pieces of glass for less.

MPB

Another fan-favorite among the creator community. An online platform for used photography and videography equipment, MPB is a destination for everyone, whether you've just discovered your passion for visual storytelling or you're already a pro. Founded by Matt Barker in 2011, MPB has always been committed to making it more accessible and affordable and helping to visualize a more sustainable future in the camera industry.

KEH Camera

KEH has always envisioned a better way to put rare and quality second-hand cameras in the hands of fellow photographers and video creators. They’ve become one of the industry's largest, trusted, curated markets for used (or, in our view, field-tested) photo and video equipment. I use these guys personally and have had an A+ expereince.

BorrowLenses

From lenses to camera bodies to production materials — BorrowLenses has it all. Select which equipment you’d like to rent for up to 90 days with little to no deposit, and that’s it. Repack the same gear in the box once you’re done (keep it clean!), and BorrowLenses offers the returns labels. It's so damn nice to use.

ShareGrid

A popular choice amongst creators to share camera equipment across the country. They are one of the most trusted online sources for renting and reselling the game. Each seller is fully verified, you’re allowed instant coverage, and offers some of the lowest prices. They push anything from super popular new listings to vintage items or bundles so that way each listing gets the same love.

Shopping Used is the Most Sustainable

E-waste is the planet’s fastest-growing trash pile, and in the U.S. we recycle barely a quarter of it. The rest gets torched or buried, taking precious metals, glass, and plastics straight to the dump.

Tech gear also hides nasty ingredients like mercury and beryllium that seep into soil and water when mishandled. Grabbing a pre-loved camera or laptop keeps those resources in circulation, cuts demand for new production, and spares the planet a hefty dose of manufacturing and landfill fallout.

And if today's technology keeps its spark for years to come, you don't have to worry about it dying in a year. Shopping used is sexy.