How To Get Camera Gear for Cheap

Ben Gifford
Aug 13
3 min read

Photography and videography gear can be expensive—sometimes shockingly so. From cameras and lenses to lighting and accessories, building your dream setup can quickly drain your budget. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to pay full price to get quality gear. By renting equipment or buying pre-owned, you can save money, try before you buy, and still get professional-level results.

Here are a couple ways on How To Get Camera Gear for Cheap

1. Why Renting Gear Is a Smart Move

If you don’t need a piece of equipment every day, renting can be a game-changer.

Benefits of Renting

Try Before You Buy – Test a lens or camera body to see if it fits your style before committing.
Access to High-End Gear – Rent expensive items like cinema cameras, fast prime lenses, or specialty lighting for a fraction of the purchase price.
No Long-Term Commitment – Perfect for one-off projects or occasional gigs.
Maintenance Included – Rental companies often keep gear in top condition, so you’re getting something ready to perform.

Where to Rent Gear

Local Camera Shops – Many small businesses offer rental programs and can walk you through setup.
Online Rental Services – Websites like Lensrentals, BorrowLenses, and ShareGrid ship directly to you.
Community Sharing – Platforms like KitSplit let you rent gear from photographers in your area.

Pro Tip: I sometimes rent gear for big projects, like extra lighting for an event shoot. It saves me hundreds of dollars and ensures I always have the right tools without long-term storage or maintenance costs.

2. Finding Quality Pre-Owned Camera Gear

Buying used gear is another great way to save money without sacrificing quality—especially if you know what to look for.

Where to Find Pre-Owned Gear

Certified Refurbished from the Manufacturer – Canon, Nikon, Sony, and others sell refurbished gear with warranties.
Trusted Retailers – B&H Photo, Adorama, and KEH Camera grade and guarantee their used items.
Local Classifieds – Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and community boards can yield great deals, but always meet in safe, public places.
Camera Store Trade-Ins – Many shops accept trade-ins, which means you can find gently used, well-maintained gear.

What to Check Before You Buy Used

Shutter Count (for cameras) – Tells you how much use it’s had.
Glass Condition (for lenses) – Look for scratches, fungus, or dust.
Functionality – Test all buttons, dials, ports, and autofocus.
Return Policy or Warranty – Gives you peace of mind if something isn’t right.

3. Renting vs. Buying Used: Which Should You Choose?

Renting is best if you need gear for a short time or want to test it before buying.
Buying used is best if you’ll use the gear regularly and want to build your kit without paying full price.

Many photographers actually do both—rent to test, then buy pre-owned once they know the gear is right for them.

4. My Personal Approach

At Ben Gifford Media, I mix both strategies. I’ve rented specialty lenses for big photoshoots and bought several pre-owned pieces of gear that are still going strong years later. It’s allowed me to keep my toolkit versatile while saving thousands.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get professional-quality gear. Renting lets you access top-notch equipment when you need it, and buying pre-owned can stretch your budget further without compromising on performance.

Whether you’re a beginner photographer or a seasoned pro, smart gear shopping means more money in your pocket—and more resources to invest in your creative growth.