AutoGal

Needless to say, there is never a good time for this to happen.

And of course, I was in Sedona, AZ when it happened. (Lens cap fell off in my carry-on, etc etc.)

I read all I could about scratches, I did what I read, to no avail as the scratch is deep.

Some of my photos show no sign of the deep scratch and many others show a definite sign of the scratch!!

Soooooo, finally here is my question…

What does one do with a badly scratched lens?? (I am already planning to order a ‘new’ used one.)

Does one just give it away to anyone who wants it and they can post process away the scratches?
I just can not “throw it out”…..

Thank you for whatever wisdom you can give me.
Edee

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You can sell it 'as is' on ebay, clearly listed as damaged and explaining and showing the scratch in pictures. You might make this a bid-for item. Someone who needs the parts may bid up the sale price above just the cost of shipping.

For your new lens, consider if an always-on clear protective filter should be added, protection again this type of lens destroying damage. The B+W XS-Pro Clear MRC filters are so clear, you won't see the glass when first opening the packaging.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Is the repair much more expensive than a used replacement?

Grahame Loc: Fiji

You could always be adventurous, take a gamble and replace it yourself. The correct tool is also available at a very cheap price.

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Quixdraw Loc: x

Never thought (or needed) to try it on a lens, but there used to be a product to fill scratches on eyeglasses to lengthen use before replacement. Inexpensive, might be worth a try - nothing to lose!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You may want to get an estimate from Nikon on replacing the front element. I had the front element on a 14-24 replaced, several years ago - that lens used to sell for $2000. If I recall, Nikon rebuilt it for under $400, including replacing the front element. It had been locked in a trunk of a car, the car was rear-ended, with the car's battery in the trunk, the accident caused an electrical fire and the fire dept came put out the fire, and tossed the camera gear, including this lens, to the grass median, spraying it with water or chemical. This was in 2012, and I still have and use that lens.

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CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Get a quote on a repair from Nikon and balance that quote against the same lens new at Nikon for $500 this morning and used at KEH for $185.

melismus Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country

You can paint over the scratches with flat-black paint, so no light goes through. It really works!

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

This actually does work as the black paint (applied with a toothpick or very fine 1 or 2 hair brush) fills the irregular surface of the scratch limiting reflection/dispersion. I've done it.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Please do not throw it away, or make a paperweight out of it. If it still functions properly, it is a long way from being useless or worthless. Scratches of this type can be from impact damage, or simply banging against something in a camera bag with no lens cap, or other similar situation.

You can replace the front glass, you would need a donor lens (as long as the front glass is intact/undamaged - the rest can be garbage) and some are very inexpensive, or find the front lens glass to purchase (obviously a bit of lens repair exp. and right tools helps).....you can also use the black paint method.

Selling (listed as for parts or repair) is another option (i'd be interested, providing all other functions work as they should - AF/VR/Aperature/Zoom).

I'll offer this option:
If you would like to discuss the inexpensive repair route, you pay for shipping and any parts, I'll do the glass replace/repair for a very modest fee, <$50.00. I have repaired/cleaned/performed maintenance on many lenses for myself, and for several folks on this forum, - providing they don't require touching the focus stack on modern electronic lenses, I do not have the computer aided alignment equipment required for Nikon AF-S and AF-P lenses for focus stack alignment, (out of my price league).

If interested in my help (or in selling), please PM (private message function) me. Whatever path you decide to take, good luck in your effort, and keep on shooting!

Canisdirus

If the scratch is so deep you can see it in images...it's a simple cost analysis decision.

Your lens can be replaced for less than 200 bucks...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right! Repair probably wouldn't be worth the cost, and it's always nice to shop for new equipment.

Terkat

Good morning Quix,

A really excellent idea! I would never have thought of that approach. As you stated one has nothing to lose. I have a feeling that replacing just the affected element would be somewhat expensive.

All the best to you and yours,

'Terry

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Another good option, KEH, MPB and UsedPhotPro for starters, they all offer a warranty too.

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

At larger apertures most scratches won't show on the images. You could still use the lens in conditions you might not want to subject a better lens to.