Hi,
I bought a couple cameras from Lensrentals.com... but they were brand new. I've never used Lensauthority, so am unfamiliar with them.
I'd be a little reluctant to buy a lens that's been rented a lot. They get pretty hard use by folks who probably aren't as careful with them as they would be if they owned them. I'm sure those lenses also spend a lot of time bouncing around in the back of a UPS truck, going to and from renters.
OTOH, I know Lensrental thoroughly test stuff and don't hesitate to have repairs and tune-ups done, as necessary. And Canon L series are built to be durable and last a long, long time. And I believe I read that Lensrentals only keeps gear in stock for a year or two, renewing their stock regulrarly.
So I guess it comes down to price... It would have to be a pretty nice discount to get me to reach for my credit card. I'd be inclined to look at refurbs and used lenses at the various dealers, first. They also offer a warranty... One year on the refurbs at the Canon online store. Maybe 90 days on used stuff at the more reputible dealers. Other than new (and on sale!), those would be my first choices.
My next choice would be a private party locally, where I could inspect the item myself before handing over any monies. No warranties at all, with private party purchases. I suppose I'd rank purchasing a rental lens from an outfit I know, like Lensrentals, somewhere in between refurb or used from a dealer and used from a private party. I'd rank an unfamiliar rental outfit a bit lower.
Next I'd rank buying via an auction as a little more risky than buying locally. A lot of variables though... there are many reputible sellers on auctions, too. Feedback info can help.
The riskiest... and what I'd generally be least inclined to do... is buy remotely from a private party, sight unseen, even with a supposed right of return or warranty.
But, again, it all depends upon price. And scarcity... I bought a rare accessory for one of my cars off Craigslist in Miami (I'm in California). But I was only risking $160 US and it is an utterly impossible to find part. That transaction turned out just fine.
I have bought items through Amazon, even used from private parties. There's at least some limited warranty doing that... maybe only a week or two, but that's often enough.
I've also bought a few use items"remotely" from people on forums (photography-on-the.net Canon forum and Fred Miranda), but mostly limited to well-established, long time members who I felt like I knew (and had good feedback on prior sales).
It is possible to buy extended warranties even on used items. However I usually don't care for those warranties. Most are with third parties, repairs won't be through a factory service dept. and might cut corners. No telling what a replacement, if needed, might be or how long it might take to get it. Of all the extended warranty programs, the one I hear mentioned most often is Mack. You might look into that.
Also check your credit cards. Many of them warrant items you buy, or automatically extend a factory warranty.
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Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
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