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Just a quick post, I was wondering (as I've never done it before) if when you hire lenses there are restrictions on where you take them, as in.. essentially.

Can I hire lenses in Australia and take them to Fiji with me ? Kate said we might visit a place with heaps of orchids and gorgeous flowers, so I was wondering if it might be worth hiring a macro lens (...hmmm they do hire those types of lens right, not just big zooms and pro primes?)

The next question I guess if the answer is yes, what should I do about insurance (can I have it covered while I'm over there..?).

Sorry wanted this to be quick and painless and I've already asked to many questions.

Sorry Craig, I don't know the answers to your questions, but I get the feeling that by the time you consider all the costs involved (extended hire, insurance etc) you will be very close to the cost of a sigma 105 macro from birddog.
In any case I'm sure that if you were to buy one, use it and then sell it on the way back, it would definetly work out more cost effective.

Craig,

Borges charge $264 a week for a 18-35 f3.5-4.5 lens, a lens not too far off the price of a Sigma 105.

Either buy one or you can borrow mine. Insurance is simple, if you damage it in any way (or take a topless self portrait with it, that is classed as physchological damage ), you order me a new one from Birdy.

When do you go?

Hey Craig, like PhilpB says, the cost adds up very quickly if you want to hire for extended time, at it might be more cost effective to buy a lens.
Unless you are hiring a $10k plus lens...
These guys are good for hiring.
http://lapfoto.com.au/
Give them a call and they will tell you about insurance, etc.
Cheers
Marty

21st of May for 5 or 6 days, I've done some digging hiring isn't a cost effective method at all When you consider hiring a lens for a week, or owning it for life, the sums just don't add up in the favour of hiring. (other then lower intial outlay).

Craig, my offer still stands. You can borrow mine.

My opinion on hiring a small lens.
Most of rental places don't have the small lens and they only hire out the pro glass as 70-200VR, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600. They're not cheap after all costing + insurance etc...

Loan from members on this forum is another alternative but there's a risk if something happens, then you have to keep the damaged unit and force out few hundred bucks to buy a new replacement.

Glen wrote:Craig, my offer still stands. You can borrow mine.

You need it coz you only have one and money can't buy it!

Definitely not worth it for non-pro lenses (hell, I don't particularly think it's really worth it for pro glass either, unless someone else is paying for it).

If you're after quick and dirty solutions, perhaps consider close-up lenses or those extension tube thingies? I do not have extensive experience with them though, so I can't say if THEY are worth it either.

Craig, I also have a manual Tamron SP 35-80 f2.8 -3.8 which has macro capability if you are worried about damaging the Sigma. Not as easy to use as the Sigma but if you damage it you can give me the $70 it is worth

If you want, you can borrow my Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D. It's got a marco switch at 35mm and f2.8 thoughout the range. Best of both worlds.

If you're looking for 1:1macro, i'll throw in some extension tubes.

FYI - http://www.camerahobby.com/Review-35-70mm.htm

Andrew, I will raise you a 70-200 VR with 500d Diopter! No, only joking, very generous of you. Craig, you have 3 good choices now, Andrew's being most adapatable as it replaces a std lens. The Sigma is a great macro, the Tamron is cheap so no risk. Good luck in your choice.

Some other options to consider...

extension tubes... about $250.
close up diopter... about $150.
close up filters..... about $100.

All cheap n cheerful and can do the job at a pinch and with a little patience.

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the generous offers.

PMs sent!

Glen wrote:Craig, I also have a manual Tamron SP 35-80 f2.8 -3.8 which has macro capability if you are worried about damaging the Sigma. Not as easy to use as the Sigma but if you damage it you can give me the $70 it is worth

Still worth more than the Sigma!