Most Rented Photography Gear of 2025: Cameras, Lenses, Drones

If you have been wondering which photography gears dominated rental orders in 2025, Lensrentals’ latest annual report provides a clear answer. 

By analyzing thousands of rentals across the United States, the report highlights the most rented photography and videography equipment, revealing the tools that professionals and enthusiasts alike relied on throughout the year. 

From cameras to lenses, and tripods to storage solutions, the data paints a detailed picture of current trends in the creative industry. Knowing what gear is most rented can help inform your own shooting setups or even your investment choices. Rentals often indicate what is both in demand and versatile enough to serve multiple production scenarios.

Canon and Sony Remain at the Top

Unsurprisingly, Canon and Sony continued to dominate the rental market in 2025. 

Canon led with a 26.51% market share, followed closely by Sony at 21.66%. The numbers show that professionals still favor reliability and performance over trying experimental gear. Among cameras, the Canon EOS R6 Mark II emerged as the most popular rental, surpassing even the higher-resolution R5 series.

Sony’s presence remained strong with nine different camera bodies in the top 20 rentals. The Sony FX3, in particular, held its spot as a favorite for independent filmmakers and content creators, thanks to its compact size and cinematic capabilities. 

Nikon also maintained relevance with models like the Nikon Z8 appearing in the top rentals, providing an option for professionals who prefer a different ecosystem.

Even with mirrorless systems gaining dominance, classic DSLR bodies such as the Canon 5D Mark IV continued to be heavily rented. This suggests that many photographers and videographers still rely on proven tools that may already fit into their workflow or complement their existing gear collections.

Zoom Lenses Lead Over Primes

A notable shift in 2025 was the continued preference for high-performance zoom lenses over traditional prime lenses. 

The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS ranked as the most rented lens of the year, with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L following closely behind. These “workhorse” lenses provide versatility across a variety of shooting situations, allowing photographers and videographers to adapt quickly without changing lenses frequently.

Even third-party manufacturers gained some traction, with the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art for Sony E-mount making it into the top twenty. This shows that while Canon and Sony dominate the lens market, quality alternatives are still finding a place for creatives looking for options beyond the brand ecosystem.

Lensrentals’ data reflects that efficiency is key for 2025’s professionals. The convenience of a zoom lens that delivers consistently high-quality results outweighs the traditional preference for primes in many production scenarios. This means that if you’re renting gear for projects, a versatile zoom lens is likely to meet most of your needs without requiring multiple lenses for a single shoot.

Top New Gear of 2025

The report also highlights the most rented new gear in 2025, giving insight into which innovations are gaining traction among professionals. 

The Manfrotto 500AH/190X3 Tripod Kit led the way, offering stability and flexibility for both photo and video work. In lighting, portable high-output solutions were in demand, with the Aputure Amaran COB 200x S Bi-Color LED gaining significant rental numbers.

These choices indicate that while cameras and lenses capture attention, the supporting infrastructure, such as tripods, lighting, and accessories, is increasingly critical. Professionals are seeking solutions that are portable, reliable, and compatible with the demands of modern production, especially as mirrorless cameras and high-resolution formats like 4K and 8K continue to raise technical requirements on set.

Accessories and Data Management

Modern camera systems require more than just a body and lens. 

The 2025 rental data emphasizes that accessories such as storage and power solutions are essential to maintain efficiency during shoots. The Sony 160GB CFexpress Type A TOUGH card and various high-capacity batteries were among the most rented accessories. This reflects the massive data rates generated by modern cameras and the need for uninterrupted shooting during professional projects.

This is a reminder that planning a shoot today goes beyond the primary gear. Having reliable storage and battery solutions ensures you can handle demanding workflows without unexpected interruptions, whether you are shooting fast-paced events, narrative films, or high-volume commercial work.

Drone Rentals Gain Popularity

While Canon and Sony dominated cameras and lenses, DJI continued to increase its market share, reaching 4.29% in 2025. The popularity of the Osmo Pocket 3 and specialized drone solutions highlights a growing interest in aerial and stabilized footage. Drones are no longer niche tools but integral components of many productions, especially for content creators looking to capture unique perspectives without investing in a full camera rig.

This trend suggests that if you’re exploring creative storytelling, drones can offer both flexibility and dramatic visual impact. Rentals allow you to test different models and capabilities without committing to purchase, providing a cost-effective way to expand your creative toolkit.

What the Data Means for You

The Lensrentals 2025 report provides valuable insight for both seasoned professionals and those just starting out. The data shows that versatility, efficiency, and portability are driving equipment choices. 

Cameras and lenses that can handle a variety of situations without frequent swaps are in high demand, while supporting gear is critical to meeting production standards.

For photographers and videographers considering what gear to rent or invest in, these trends offer guidance. Workhorse lenses are safe choices. At the same time, accessories that ensure stability and uninterrupted workflow should not be overlooked.

Renting also allows you to explore new gear before making a purchase. With drones, portable lighting, and high-end lenses increasingly accessible, rentals give you the flexibility to adapt to different projects and creative challenges without long-term commitments.

As the industry evolves, the 2025 rental trends suggest that efficiency and adaptability will continue to drive gear selection. By understanding what others are renting and why, you can make smarter decisions for your own work!

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