Used Gear Quality Rating System

All our gear goes through rigorous inspection between every order so that everything is functioning well when you rent or buy any of our gear. 

Renting means our equipment is well loved, which is why it is important to us that every item goes through our comprehensive review before it's available to buy. Each item is then given a rating:

10 = No signs of wear and tear, almost like new
9  = Hardly any visible flaws
8 = Light wear and tear; faint scuffs are starting to show
7 = Mild wear and tear; some visible scuffs and dulling point
6 = Moderate wear and tear; noticeable scuffs and blemished paint
5 = Above average wear and tear; noticeable dents and blemished paint
4 = Heavy wear and tear; noticeable dents or finish loss, glass may have marks but no picture quality impact
3 = Severe wear and tear; more noticeable impacts, dents, or finish loss, glass may have marks or blemishes but shouldn't affect picture quality
2 = Extreme wear in certain areas with impressions in metal and other markings
1 = Extreme wear on all aspects of gear, though functional

Examining Problems and Maintaining Camera and Lens Quality

Here are some of the things we check for on gear:

- Examine front/rear lens elements for damage and dust.
- Inspect lens barrels for any damage to focus, zoom, and aperture rings (where present).
- Verify focus accuracy and zoom performance at minimum and maximum zooms (where applicable).
- Test-shoot lenses against white cards to test for any inner element dust or debris.
- Fully clean lenses and camera bodies.
- Check camera card slots for dust or damage.
- Note any superficial scarring of equipment.
- Test for front/back focusing of lenses on various camera bodies against a LensAlign or similar tool.
- Clean camera sensors.

If any piece of equipment fails the quality test, it is sent to our repair experts for further inspection. We won’t ship out anything that doesn’t pass rigorous quality control.

Still worried about making a purchase of a former rental item? All our used gear comes with a 3-day inspection period (starting when the item arrives at your door). If, for any reason, you want to return the item within those 3 days, simply send it back using a 2-day, trackable shipping method for a refund.

For returns after the 3-day inspection window, we will issue a refund for the purchase price less the standard rental fees for the time you had the gear for and roundtrip shipping cost when returned within 4 weeks. After 4 weeks there are no refunds whatsoever.

Hands-On Customer Service from Real Photographers and Videographers

Our crew are all working professionals and passionate hobbyists themselves. BL gear experts are here to help you, whether it’s troubleshooting equipment compatibility or making adjustments to your reservation or purchase. With locations on both the east and west coasts, you will love the quick shipping and expert service at BorrowLenses.com.