Lens rental perspective on lens quality aka MTF WTF

Roger Cicala of LensRentals.com has just posted a fascinating account of his experience at LensRentals.com with a variety of brands (these guys buy lenses by the dozen). Well worth reading to understand what the odds are for getting a “good sample”.

Maybe Roger’s article should be titled “MTF WTF”? Too good to pass that one up. My idea, not Roger’s in case anyone has sensitive ears.

LensRentals.com gets me lenses for testing when I need them in a hurry, like the 17-35 on its way for testing against the 16-35 (below). Going on a photo safari? Rent the lens for a month. It makes a lot of sense in a variety of ways, nothing like trying before buying either.

With a shipping center near the FedEx and UPS hubs, they can get things out very late, too. That sort of need is infrequent, but when it occurs, they’re a very reliable company to deal with.

LensRentals advertises on this site, so I suppose the paranoid can look elsewhere. But then you’ll miss out on the 5% discount code you’ll find under their ad! That’s for you, it doesn’t accrue to me, so certain parties out there can chill out please, no offense intended. I only recommend companies that I personally like to deal with and have proven themselves trustworthy, and if they support my efforts, that’s a huge win/win/win.