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Advice - Repair or Replace?

lens 17-35mm 18-35mm wide angle repair lens motor

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#1
benmurrey

benmurrey

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I have a decision to make and I'm having trouble getting good advice. I bought a brand new AF-S NIKKOR18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens a few months ago ($750 new) but was just given a damaged AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED for free ($2,000 new). In perfect condition, obviously the second is the better lens, and since they two lenses serve basically the same function for me, I'm trying to decide which to keep and which to sell.

 

The 17-35mm lens was given to me used. It's about 8 years old and sat unused for the last five. It seems to be a good lens without sicking, major scratches, or mildew. I've done some shooting with it and from what I can tell it produces good, clear photos. As far as I can tell, the only problem is that the autofocus motor is out, which is a common problem with this lens as it ages. To repair the lens to factory specifications can cost anywhere between $300 and $600 dollars from what I can gather. 

 

The 18-35mm cheaper lens is in perfect like-new condition. And if it helps, I do a lot of landscape and travel photography and I'm shooting with the D800.

 

What should I do?

 

1. Repair the used one and sell the new one.

2. Repair the used one and sell it.

3. Sell the used one without repairing it and keep my new one.

4. Other?

 

Thanks for the help!

 

Ben



#2
Merco_61

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Which is the better choice depends on the serial number of the 17-35. If it really is only 8 years old, all spare parts are still in Nikon's inventory and you will have Nikon's best PJ and travel ultrawide zoom ever in good working condition for a bargain price. If the serial number begins with a 3, however, it is the first version where spare parts are running out and getting it repaired now doesn't make much sense as it might be irreparable the next time something happens to it.

 

Do you do much available dark or selective sharpness work? If so, the faster zoom will quickly make you wonder how you did without it... For travel, the mass is another factor. 385 or 730g is quite a difference.

 

It is a difficult decision that only you can make as nobody else knows exactly how you like to use your lens.







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: lens, 17-35mm, 18-35mm, wide angle, repair, lens motor