To all those who took the time to offer assistance about my scratched lens, I, thank you for your kindness!! I learned a lot. And the biggest lesson I learned is to get clear protective filters!!!! Thank you again!!

Love reading "you" every morning with my coffee.

I shall keep the lens and try the black paint...as I mentioned, the scratch only showed up in certain photos and thankfully not in all my Sedona photos.

In looking for a replacement on line, found a "excellent" used Nikon 18-200 that I put an order in for...can return if not happy.

I will try the black paint and then put it with the other lenses that I rarely use as I also have some Nikon cameras that I no longer use as well. They all work and are in great condition. I am saving them for my grandchildren...true that their cell phones will probably be all they will want....but, I still want them to experience the feel of having a "real" camera in their hands!!
After all....They have seen their grandmother with a camera constantly in front of her face from the time they were born.

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

Stunning!!

Sure hope we have space in our cabin....this is not an inexpensive trip!! No, this lovely tug boat will accommodate 100 passengers quite comfortably...but, thank you for your comment!!

( I somehow lost my post???)
I just want to thank every one who took the time to answer my post and give me such great recommendations...hence, I have Amazon dropping dropping off several waterproof camera backpacks (gotta see which one will suit my needs). Ordered a camera wrist strap, and in a moment of utter weakness a Sigma 18-300 for my used Nikon D7200. I pray I will like it??? The reviews were quite positive. And I still have an underwater camera to check out.
Seems like I will need Sherpa to assist me get everything off the porch....🤣
Again, thank you everyone!!
Edee

Yes!! Thank you jcbov3! So much good advice!

Thank you for your mighty good points. The vest was already suggested, and is something I will indeed invest in. Thank you for the link.
In reference to #4...what is a Right Angle Viewer??.....(please note, that I’m a hellkick’n 77 yr ole gal with new knees...and how low can I go....to take “that shot”.... is indeed questionable....
I choose not to bring a tripod...I will have enough to carry....
Again, I truly appreciate you and your responses.

Thank YOU again, MadMikeOne’s Super Helpful Better Half...and
Thank you Mikee, I had no idea Costco sold underwater cameras!!!
I don’t expect “great” underwater photos.
I do large mulipaged Photo Albums after all of our trips. It is all about the memories!! And being underwater in the Galapagos would be just a great fun experience.

Hey, I snorkeled the Red Sea a 1000 years ago...with no camera. Wish I had had one!
Edee

Hello Hello MadMikeOne’s helpful half!!

Thank you soooooo very much for all you shared and I will absolutely pm you with all the many questions that will hit me here and there. We leave early December for Quito.
I did check about renting an underwater camera...did you go snorkeling? It will not be a happy sight, me in a wet suit, but, what the hell. Ya only live once, even with new knees that may drown me.
Edee😆😀

Edee

Our ship will be holding 100 passengers...

Thank you CHG CANON and Mikee,

Thank you for the advise on the walking stick....i have one that I can shorten. And you just reminded me that I need to purchase an inexpensive waterproof camera. Any recommendations on that??

Hello All,

I am sure that many of you have already been there, and I have a few questions I would like your kind answers to, please. Will be Cruising.

1. Do you need a waterproof camera bag/backpac going on and off the small boats.

2. Should I take 2 cameras in the event of one failing...ya never know??

3. What lenses...I understand that a zoom is not really that necessary...like a 300??? I have a Nikon
d7200 (which I just bought used, a deal too good to pass up)
and a Sony a6500.(Still a Nikon lover at heart...)

4. Any and all info that you would like to share with me, I will be most grateful to read.

PS...I am 77 and have new knees but, they do not stop me...will be taking my walking stick as I know
the terrain is not smooth.

Thank YOU!! I drink my coffee with ya'll every morning...this is an AWESOME site and I have learned to much from all of you.

OMG!!! It's a Nikon!!!

Awesome! Just Awesome!
Can you please share what type of extension tubes you used. I am in the process of learning close up and macro.
Edee

Oops....forgot to add that I was very disappointed with the results....Canon lenses work better with Sony a.

I found that my Nikon F lenses worked only in manual with my Sony a6500 with an adapter. I did buy an inexpensive adapter....

I bought my grandchildren their 1st ‘used’ point and shoot cameras, age 7&8... they love their little cameras.
They see “Meme” with a camera By her eye all the time. Was teaching and taking “close up/macro” this week end....got them involved, they loved it.

One day, I will no longer be here...they can then choose for me what to do with all my cameras and lens, cause by then they will be taking all their photos with lenses attached to their cell phones.