Lens Repair Advice Please

[Jackwow]

In another thread, "Always Use Your Lens Hoods" (link below) I described how I fell while out photographing birds and although I hurt my back the lens hood protected my lens (Canon 70-300L). At least I thought so at the time, however a few days later, after working OK for these days, it started malfunctioning (not fully retracting and not focusing).

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/always-use-your-lens-hoods.526254/

Anyway I took it to FFordes Photographic near Inverness, who sent it to A J Johnstone in Glasgow, and 10 days later I received a repair estimate of £428 for the following,
"Repair details: Will need to dismantle lens to confirm all damage, possible replacement of zoom keys and guides, recalibrate focus elements. If main barrel is damaged will need to re-estimate again."

I paid a £25 repair estimate fee up front so I'm assuming that's on top of the £428, i.e., £453 and until I speak to FFordes I'm not sure if there are any other charges, such as postage to and from Glasgow, that are not included.

Presumably if the "zoom keys and guides" don't need replacing then I could be looking at a lower cost but I'm assuming that won't be the case.

So what to do, I love the 70-300L as it is a superb lens and I use it a lot. Should I pay almost £500 to repair it and hope that it will be just as good as it was or bite the bullet and just get a new one?

PS I don't have insurance.

PPS In the last couple of days I have bought a Sigma 150-500 which, although not a replacement for the 70-300L, means I am not in an immediate rush to make a decision about the 70-300L. If the Sigma turns out to be sharp and I feel it's a lens I could carry around a zoo all day then maybe I wouldn't need another 70-300 and instead something like a 70-200.

 

[Keeko]

I have used Dale Photographic. In Leeds for lens repairs and so have some of my friends. They are a very informative bunch of lads. Worth a phone call, they might be able to point you in right direction.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Sorry to hear about this Neil, pity it's such an expensive lens really, any lesser lens you may have been able to repair it yourself but it just HAS to be done properly and with all the paperwork.
Regarding the Siggy 150-500, I have one and was always a bit disappointed with it on my 50D, especially after seeing the previous owner's sample shots with it, but since getting a 7D and spending some time fettling it it's now firing on all cylinders!
Chunky, heavy beast but nothing a grown man can't handle.
Hope yours turns out to be a good copy.

 

[modchild]

Wow, that's some really bad news Neil. I hope the Sigma lives up to your hopes, if you've got a good one it'll be terrific. You'll soon get used to the weight as well if you're used to something fairly big. It might also be worth having a think about getting your gear insured, or looking into your house insurance to see if you're covered that way. I wouldn't be without insurance on my gear now, I dropped a 7D last year and ended up with a £600 repair bill, and if it wasn't insured I would of been a body down cause I couldn't of afforded to replace it.

 

[StewartR]

Should I pay almost £500 to repair it and hope that it will be just as good as it was or bite the bullet and just get a new one?

Ouch!

A J Johnstone are one of the (few) authorised Canon repair centres, so if they do the repair it should be as good as new afterwards. Plus you should get a 6-month warranty on the repair, and - since the repair will involve stripping down the whole lens and reassembling it - that's effectively a warranty on the whole lens.

I'd do it. (In fact I have done it in the past. Check out a couple of my horror stories here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/customer-black-list.489185/ ) You won't get a replacement for £500 - they've been selling for £700-£1000 on eBay - and buying a new one is a lot of expense just for an extra 6 months warranty.

BUT - Before you commit, let me dig out some paperwork in the office on Monday and report back. Canon at Elstree operate a fixed-price repair scheme for *some* lenses and other equipment. I don't know if the 70-300L is covered - in fact I don't think I've ever had to send any of mine away for repair - but if it is, it will probably save you £250 or so.

Stay tuned to this channel.

 

[Jackwow]

I have used Dale Photographic. In Leeds for lens repairs and so have some of my friends. They are a very informative bunch of lads. Worth a phone call, they might be able to point you in right direction.

Thanks for that Keith.

 

[Jackwow]

Regarding the Siggy 150-500, I have one and was always a bit disappointed with it on my 50D, especially after seeing the previous owner's sample shots with it, but since getting a 7D and spending some time fettling it it's now firing on all cylinders! Chunky, heavy beast but nothing a grown man can't handle. Hope yours turns out to be a good copy.

Only had it out once so far, with mixed results, but will keep plugging away. Got a monopod for it yesterday for more stability.

 

[Jackwow]

It might also be worth having a think about getting your gear insured, or looking into your house insurance to see if you're covered that way.

Not sure about insurance as I've been "of no fixed abode" for the last 18 months or so, i.e., I don't have permanent address. Either been living in hotels in Thailand or at my cousins pad in Inverness. Not sure if the homeless can get insurance?!

 

[Jackwow]

BUT - Before you commit, let me dig out some paperwork in the office on Monday and report back. Canon at Elstree operate a fixed-price repair scheme for *some* lenses and other equipment. I don't know if the 70-300L is covered - in fact I don't think I've ever had to send any of mine away for repair - but if it is, it will probably save you £250 or so. Stay tuned to this channel.

Thanks Stewart, I'll stay tuned.