Here's a little secret: a new camera lens will improve your photography far more than a new camera body.
If you're not sure which lenses suit your style, or you can't quite stretch the budget to buying new glass, renting is a smart move. Here are 4 reasons why you might want to hire camera lenses before buying them.
1. Try before you buy
Camera lenses can be a significant investment, and renting gives you the opportunity to test them in real-world conditions before committing to a purchase. Though there's always a market for second-hand gear, it's often easier — and cheaper — to simply return a rented lens if it doesn't suit your style. At Ted's, our 14-day exchange policy applies to our rental program too, so you can swap lenses if you've tried them out and they're not quite right.
Pro Tip: Schedule your rental to coincide with a trip or event where you'll be shooting a lot. This gives you the best opportunity to test the lens across different lighting conditions and subjects.
2. Reignite your love for photography
Gear acquisition syndrome is real in the photography world. For many photographers, nothing beats trying out a new piece of kit and figuring out whether it deserves a permanent spot in the bag. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, renting lenses lets you experiment and develop new skills. A rental can reignite your enthusiasm for photography and inspire you to get out and shoot.
3. Rent specialty lenses for a short period
It can be hard to justify buying a lens you won't use regularly. When you need a specialty lens for just a few days, weeks, or months, renting makes far more sense. Heading on a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife safari? You'll want a super-telephoto lens — but if you won't use it in everyday life, dropping thousands of dollars on one is hard to justify. The same logic applies to fisheye, macro, and tilt-shift lenses. Renting is almost always significantly cheaper than buying.
Pro Tip: If you're still developing your photographic style, our rental program is a great way to dabble in different types of photography and see what resonates. Our minimum rental period is six months, with a maximum of three years.
4. Set up a solid backup system
Commissioned for a wedding, concert, or sporting event? Rent a backup lens — just in case something goes wrong on the day, or your primary lens is out for repair. That way, you can keep working without interruption.
Pro Tip: If you fall in love with a rented lens, you can apply to purchase it at any time — you don't need to wait until the rental period ends.
Ted's Top Picks for Renting
With so many great reasons to rent, the trickiest part is choosing where to start. Here are our current top picks across different skill levels and budgets:
Best for beginners: Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
The nifty fifty is a rite of passage for any photographer. This compact, affordable prime lens is a huge step up from a standard kit zoom — offering a wide f/1.8 aperture for beautiful background blur and excellent low-light performance. The STM motor delivers fast, smooth autofocus for both stills and video. Perfect for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting.
Best for intermediate photographers: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Zoom
A versatile workhorse zoom covering the most useful focal lengths for portraits, events, travel, and documentary work. The constant f/2.8 aperture performs well in all lighting conditions, and Nikon's S-line optical quality is exceptional. Compatible with the full Nikon Z mirrorless system.
Best for advanced photographers: Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sport Lens
One of the most capable telephoto zooms available, the Sigma 70-200mm Sport delivers outstanding sharpness, fast autofocus, and robust weather sealing. Available in Sony E-Mount and L-Mount, it's a favourite for sports, wildlife, and event photographers who need reach without compromising on image quality.
Where can you rent a camera lens?
Ready to give renting a try? Check out our online rental program with Studio19, or drop into your nearest Ted's Cameras store for more information and advice on our wide selection of lenses available to hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth renting a camera lens?
Absolutely — especially if you're considering a significant purchase, need a specialty lens for a one-off shoot, or want to experiment with a new style of photography. Renting lets you test a lens in real conditions before committing, and is far more cost-effective than buying a lens you'll only use occasionally.
How long can I rent a camera lens from Ted's?
Our rental program has a minimum period of six months and a maximum of three years. If you fall in love with a lens during your rental, you can apply to purchase it at any time — you don't need to wait until the end of the rental period.
What lenses are available to rent?
Ted's stocks a wide range of lenses for rent across all major camera systems — including Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E-Mount, and L-Mount. From fast prime lenses to professional telephoto zooms and specialty lenses like macro and tilt-shift, visit a Ted's store or contact us online to find out what's currently available.
Can I swap my rented lens if it's not right for me?
Yes — Ted's 14-day exchange policy applies to our rental program. If you've tried a lens and it's not working for you, you can swap it for something else within that window.
What is the difference between renting and buying a camera lens?
Buying gives you permanent ownership and is more cost-effective in the long run if you use the lens regularly. Renting is better suited to lenses you'll only need occasionally, lenses you want to test before buying, or situations where you need a backup. For most photographers, a combination of owned and rented glass is the most practical approach.