The Bottom Line
CSI Rentals is a very good choice for professionals within pick up range of CSI Rentals. The equipment selection is huge and the equipment is in very good shape. The cost is higher than some other equipment rental companies and the renter is open to much more liability than with some other services. However, for pros with their own business insurance CSI Rentals is certainly worth considering.
Pros
- Equipment in great condition
- Huge array of equipment available
- Friendly staff
- Courier service available in their Tri-State Area
Cons
- Rental period starts and ends with CSI location (not when received/return shipped)
- Higher cost when compared to some other mail-order rentals (as is the case with most NYC companies)
- Renter responsible for securing equipment insurance
Description
- Rental service carrying at least 26 brands of photography equipment
- Based in New York, New York
- Targeted towards professional photographers more than amateurs
- Offers courier service in their tri-state area
- Online reservation and quote system
Guide Review - CSIRentals.com
To test out the CSIRentals.com service, we requested a Canon 40D, a Canon 2x lens extender, and a Canon EF 300mm f2.8 USM IS lens be shipped to us (follow the links for reviews of those products). The equipment was shipped out in a timely manner and arrived very well packed although the box received some damage in shipping. CSI Rentals shipments are subject to additional shipping charges over rental cost. Rental time starts as soon as the equipment is shipped and stops only when CSI Rentals receives the equipment back. For those within pickup range of CSI Rentals this is no problem but for those renting via mail order it can considerably shorten your usable rental time. The equipment received was in excellent condition and worked properly.
Rental prices for CSIRentals.com are more expensive than other companies but their selection borders on phenomenal. Also, the camera was shipped with a memory card, extra battery, charger, and other accessories in a camera bag. That understandably adds to the rental cost when such items are included. The only disappointment equipment-wise was that the 300mm lens did not include its manual. Insurance is left up to the renter to obtain. The website is very informative and customers should not confused about terms or conditions.
About a week into the requested two week period I received a call that they had been expecting the lens back already. However, the staff was very friendly and the mistake was eventually corrected. In today's market, the importance of staff being friendly and working to correct a problem can not be overstated. However, after several misscommunicaton issues I would suggest being prepared to deal with a minor glitch or two during your rental period.
Rental prices for CSIRentals.com are more expensive than other companies but their selection borders on phenomenal. Also, the camera was shipped with a memory card, extra battery, charger, and other accessories in a camera bag. That understandably adds to the rental cost when such items are included. The only disappointment equipment-wise was that the 300mm lens did not include its manual. Insurance is left up to the renter to obtain. The website is very informative and customers should not confused about terms or conditions.
About a week into the requested two week period I received a call that they had been expecting the lens back already. However, the staff was very friendly and the mistake was eventually corrected. In today's market, the importance of staff being friendly and working to correct a problem can not be overstated. However, after several misscommunicaton issues I would suggest being prepared to deal with a minor glitch or two during your rental period.
