In a move that’s sure to raise a few eyebrows among existing lens rental firms, Canon is preparing to launch a new lens rental programme on March 28 for customers who want to give expensive lenses a test run before forking out thousands of dollars.
Prices for a one-day rental period start from as low as S$18, and two-day rentals start from S$25, up to a maximum of two lenses at one go. These exclude pick-up and return dates, so you could conceivably keep the the lenses for up to four days.
Although called “try-and-buy”, Canon says there is no obligation for anyone to make a purchase after returning the lens. However, shutterbugs who end up purchasing their rented lens model will get a discount on the lens’ extended warranty.
There’s another important advantage: Canon does not require a deposit. Wary of fraud, lens rental services usually require a hefty deposit for every piece of expensive equipment rented out, putting cash-strapped photographers at a disadvantage.
Plus, if you’re a Canon Imaging Academy member who have enrolled in any paid workshop over the last 12 months, you’ll receive a 50 percent discount on the rental fee. Signing up for a paid workshop immediately also works to get you that discount.
Unfortunately, this programme is only available for Singaporeans, Singapore permanent residents, and work permit or student visa holders. Tourists who hope to get a good piece of glass on the cheap for a few days will have to look elsewhere.
