Dilemma over repair/new purchase of Lens for Nikon
Jul 1, 2017 09:37:35 #
Have a slight dilemma.
My current lens Nikon 18-200 lens is not focusing to my satisfaction. I bought this lens used from UHH member several years prior and it has served me very well!
When you zoom out in PS (for PP) you can really see how bad it is and the zoom out is not that large for the file size 6000 x 4200.
I Called Nikon for estimate to repair &/or refurbish the lens: $250.00 plus shipping and insurance, 60 to 90 days for repair.
Searched on Amazon for lenses:
Nikon new: $540.00 +shipping.
Sigma new: $349.00 + it had a few accessories with the purchase, filters, tri-pod, cleaning materials, lens bag, etc.
However, Sigma new 18-250 for same $349.00 + with NO accessories.
Tamron new: $199.00 +
What would you do?
Repair, Replace, with Nikon, Sigma or Tamron.
I've had some experience with all three brands.
Thanks
Dave
My current lens Nikon 18-200 lens is not focusing to my satisfaction. I bought this lens used from UHH member several years prior and it has served me very well!
When you zoom out in PS (for PP) you can really see how bad it is and the zoom out is not that large for the file size 6000 x 4200.
I Called Nikon for estimate to repair &/or refurbish the lens: $250.00 plus shipping and insurance, 60 to 90 days for repair.
Searched on Amazon for lenses:
Nikon new: $540.00 +shipping.
Sigma new: $349.00 + it had a few accessories with the purchase, filters, tri-pod, cleaning materials, lens bag, etc.
However, Sigma new 18-250 for same $349.00 + with NO accessories.
Tamron new: $199.00 +
What would you do?
Repair, Replace, with Nikon, Sigma or Tamron.
I've had some experience with all three brands.
Thanks
Dave
Jul 1, 2017 09:46:15 #
I know you will get other replies but for me the $250.00 would be well spent. You would have a lens you like and that has done a good job for you in the past for roughly half the cost of a new Nikon lens. Lenses, like anything else mechanical can wear out and need repair. If you end up with a like new refurbished/repaired lens you are ahead in my book.
Dennis
Dennis
Jul 1, 2017 09:51:02 #
Assuming you have a comparible DX camera you might consider an AF-P 70-300 VR. You can get new gray market ones at eBay for about $200. If you want they offer a three year square trade warranty for about $30. But eBay gives you 30 days to test it. Image quality is reported as excellent at 300 mm.
I ordered one for $159 that is supposed to arrive today.
Did you check for Nikon refurbs?
I ordered one for $159 that is supposed to arrive today.
Did you check for Nikon refurbs?
Jul 1, 2017 09:56:26 #
I agree with dennis2146. I have Nikkor 70-300 that is now 9 years old. Took it to Nikon last year because it suffered "impact damage" (a.k.a dropped). No glass was damaged and for $200 they rebuilt the lens and it is for all intents and purposes "new." (I live close enough to their Melville, NY facility that I drove there, dropped it off and picked it up a week later - shipping and insurance probably would have been the same as gas and tolls ;) ) If you're happy with the lens, then it's probably a worthwhile investment - if you're having a GAS attack, well...
Jul 1, 2017 10:14:11 #
Thanks Dennis,
I agree with you,
But, then one thinks, I can get a 18-250 for half the price and the Mfg is well kown too.
Still, repair is good as well!
Thanks again
Dave
I agree with you,
But, then one thinks, I can get a 18-250 for half the price and the Mfg is well kown too.
Still, repair is good as well!
Thanks again
Dave
Jul 1, 2017 10:17:20 #
If the IQ produced by one of the new Sigma or Tamron lenses is as good as the Nikkor lens then consider build quality and warranty. If the build quality is as good as the Nikkor and a new Sigma or Tamron is going to cost about $100 more than the repair, which offers the better warranty, one of the new lenses. Of course if the repaired lens is as good as new, it is the probably financially a good decision but, is it a 1 year warranty or a 90 day warranty?! I believe both Sigma and Tamron offer multi year warranties on their products.
If the Nikkor lens was made in Japan, get it fixed. If it was made in China, get the new Sigma lens, it's probably better made.
If the Nikkor lens was made in Japan, get it fixed. If it was made in China, get the new Sigma lens, it's probably better made.
Jul 1, 2017 10:33:08 #
If you like the lens get it repaired/cleaned etc. 60-90 days doesn't sound.
You may want to check for a authorised Nikon repair center closer to home. Go to the Nikon site and start the process of locating a repair facility. Unless it states that it can only be repaired by Nikon, there is a good chance they will outsource it anyway.
I had a 17-35 and a 28-70 both outsourced on different occasions. Each repair was $400 +. The second one had the same problem in a year and a half.
---
You may want to check for a authorised Nikon repair center closer to home. Go to the Nikon site and start the process of locating a repair facility. Unless it states that it can only be repaired by Nikon, there is a good chance they will outsource it anyway.
I had a 17-35 and a 28-70 both outsourced on different occasions. Each repair was $400 +. The second one had the same problem in a year and a half.
---
Jul 1, 2017 10:34:49 #
MtnMan wrote:
Assuming you have a comparible DX camera you might consider an AF-P 70-300 VR. You can get new gray market ones at eBay for about $200. If you want they offer a three year square trade warranty for about $30. But eBay gives you 30 days to test it. Image quality is reported as excellent at 300 mm.
I ordered one for $159 that is supposed to arrive today.
Did you check for Nikon refurbs?
I ordered one for $159 that is supposed to arrive today.
Did you check for Nikon refurbs?
MtnMan, good information, thanks !
However, I use the 18-200 as my main lens and really like the wider angle 18-200. Not that familiar with the 70-300. Could it be use as my main lens that well or just for distance photos?
$159. is a good buy too.
Thanks
Dave
More for me to ponder!
Jul 1, 2017 10:40:26 #
rmorrison1116 wrote:
If the IQ produced by one of the new Sigma or Tamr... (show quote)
rmorrison1116, good point about the warranties! Had not taken that into consideration as yet.
Lens was made in Thailand. Is this an issue with it?
Also, at full zoom on the lens, there seems to be a slight movement up & down as well as sideways too.
Thanks again!
I will check on the warranties.
Dave
Jul 1, 2017 10:44:02 #
Bill_de wrote:
If you like the lens get it repaired/cleaned etc. ... (show quote)
Bill_de,
Thanks for the information. I thought too that the 60-90 days was quite much too, perhaps they were covering their time just in case.
There is a repair station close and I have been in their store, it just reminds me of a used store and only order new equipment on demand.
Perhaps will go by again and talk to them about the repair. The drive is not that far for me.
Thanks again for the response.
Dave
Jul 1, 2017 11:14:05 #
SqBear wrote:
rmorrison1116, good point about the warranties! H... (show quote)
Lens made in Thailand is a good thing as it mates to the body well. I am not against interracial marriage but it's good if they are of the same race.
Jul 1, 2017 11:19:02 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Lens made in Thailand is a good thing as it mates to the body well. I am not against interracial marriage but it's good if they are of the same race.
BebuLamar, I think I understand your statement, but I don't think I understand after all.
It's a Nikon body and a Nikon lens, just assembled in another country, not the good 'ol USofA.
It's like my Ford; made in America with Mexican, Japanese, and Korean parts. The Ford is still a Ford and a great car and not married to each other.
But what car is and in some cases, what lenses are as well?
(yeah, I know Ford: "found on road dead". I prefer to say: "First on Race Day" !!
But, thanks for the information anyway. Appreciate your response!
Dave
Jul 1, 2017 11:24:18 #
SqBear wrote:
BebuLamar, I think I understand your statement, b... (show quote)
I am saying your camera body very likely Thailand so the lens is also Thailand a good match.
Jul 1, 2017 11:30:55 #
BebuLamar wrote:
I am saying your camera body very likely Thailand so the lens is also Thailand a good match.
BebuLamar,
Ahhhhh, now I understand completely !!
Thanks for the refresher!
Dave
Jul 1, 2017 11:31:24 #
Wherever the Nikon branded lenses or cameras are manufactured, Thailand, Japan or China, they are made to the specifications specified by Nikon. I doubt Nikon will risk their name and reputation on lenses or anything else made at a somewhat shoddy factory anywhere. There should be no reason to suspect a lens made in China is not as good as a lens made in another country.
Dennis
Dennis
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