My nephew is getting married this weekend and despite my protests I was roped into doing some of the photography. I had originally intended to actually put my feet up and enjoy the ceremony and ensuing festivities… you know… like an actual guest. It’s too late for me but know this ye ignorant unwed: wives wield a fearful persuasive power that cannot be explained, only experienced.
Anyway, I took the opportunity to rent some lenses from my favorite online rental shop: ZipLens.com. I’ve rented from ZipLens in the past (see our review) and the experience this time was just as good as it’s always been.
I decided to get a 17-55 f/2.8 and an 85mm f/1.4 for the weekend so about a month ago I put in my order with a specific reservation for this week (you can make a reservation request in the notes when you place an order). ZipLens responded that day telling me that the lenses were reserved. And lo and behold they arrived today as promised. Rental of both lenses for the week including shipping was $160 total ($105 for the glass, $55 for insured express shipping both ways). The lenses are in perfect, like-new condition and were packaged with care (click the image above for a larger view).
I can already tell I’m going to have a hard time sending back the 85mm though. I think I’m in love.
Hope the wedding goes well 🙂
As someone trying to get some tips on how best to shoot weddings, it would be really interesting to hear why you decided on those specific lenses. Also to see some shots that you took with them.
Thanks. I chose those because they’re both really fast, the 85 especially at f/1.4, and they cover a nice range. I wanted the most flexibility with regard to being able to shoot without a flash and also the depth of field those lenses provide will make for some great isolated portraits.
I figure I’ll mostly use the 17-55, especially for group shots. The 85 gives more reach which could also help with getting candids of individuals and it’s a superb portrait lens. It’s faster too so I’ll probably go for that if the light gets dimmer (at the reception, perhaps… I’ve never been to the venue).
I’ll also be bringing a bunch of memory, batteries, and two flashes. And we’ve got another photographer for backup.
I have the 85mm f/1.4D and love it. It’s a great lens for portraits. I use it all the time with my D3. What day is the wedding?
Hi John,
Thanks for choosing ziplens for your rental needs. I’m assuming (hoping rather) that you are being facetious when you say you will have a hard time returning the 85mm…
🙂
Enjoy, and good luck at the wedding!!
Lee
@disneymike, non-traditional: Monday!
@Lee, of course it’ll be back in the mail to you—but not until the absolute last minute of the last day of the rental. 🙂