Need help Broken Lens

[jr#8]

This is going to be one of my worst posts. Cleaning off the kitchen table getting ready for dinner. I dropped my 20D with the Tamron 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 LD Tele-Macro. The camera seems to be OK. But the lens took a beatin. It wont auto-focus, and the tele dosen't do anything but spin. So here are my questions, is it worth getting the lens fixed(if it can be?) or should I just get a new one. If I get a new lens it WONT be an exact replacement. So the next question, I will be looking to spend around $500.00, What would be a good replacement? (fiqures I was just starting to get used to it)

[RandyMN]

I'd take it in for an estimate before you start asking these questions.

[bolantej]

Sorry to hear your lens is busted. if you can suffer with the 100mm loss, I'd get the 70-200 f4L. It's just over what your budget is, and I do believe you can find one used for that price, if not less. I love mine.

[ddelallata]

That lens is OK for beginers using film bodies. Use your little accident as an excuse to upgrade to something better.

[SuzyView]

I gasped when I read your post. Sorry about that. At least it fell on the lens and not the 20D. I'd get an estimate too, but the lens you broke is a good lens. Don't know what to tell you, except, I hope you feel better and the table got cleaned for dinner. ;)

SuzyView

[jr#8]

Well finaly got around to taking the lens for an estimate. It turns out it will cost 100.00 to fix is it really worth it. I wont be able to get a replacement for a while and when I do I was thinking about the 100-400 L IS. I know its way over my budget but looking at the pics taken with it I think I can wait a little. Please help its hard to make this kind of decision.

[StevenRaith]

Hmm. I got one of these lenses for £100 - about $175.

Does that mean they want over 3/4 it's market value to fix it?

Sod that - get a 70-300 Sigma APO F4-5.6 thingy - seems to be pretty well recieved. I intend to look at these in a little while as my tamron really doesnt seem that sharp, and after being dropped at Kings X it appears it wont focus to infinity [couldnt get it to focus on clouds earlier on today] so it needs replacing..

Clicky fo' linky (http://www.ephotozine.com/equipment/tests/testdetail.cfm?test_id=369)

Edit: - ah, my mistake, I have the 70-300 - specwise however it is the same, and prices seem similar?

[steved110]

I don't think it's worth fixing, looks like it will cost too much. sell it on ebay as a broken item, tell buyers what the estimate to fix it is. there's almost always someone who will buy stuff that is broken.
then save up for something special. you'll be so happy you did.
BTW, I'm really sorry for your accident but at least the camera is OK. You might want to look into getting extra insurance, usually you can tack it onto your household cover for not too much.

[MrChad]

I think I would have to agree with others, the 3rd parties and Canon both have a huge selection of 7x-300mm lenses for <$300.

My 75-300 IS USM is one of my most used lenses because of it's range, I use this more then even my 70-200mm f2.8L.

I would highly look at one of the Sigma 7x-300mm lenses if money is tight, isn't the APO highly liked? Else I use my 75-300mm so much that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the non-IS, USM model to those on a budget. The build is very acceptable IMO.

That said a good used 75-300 IS USM may be a great bargain as well, I sure love mine.

I think all the Sigma's and Canon's come in at under $200, and a new Tamron could run $130, that gets you a warranty as well.

Plus don't forget the new line of 55-200mm entry level tele's for APS-C camera's. I think a good cheap zoom should be easy to find.

[jr#8]

I think all the Sigma's and Canon's come in at under $200, and a new Tamron could run $130, that gets you a warranty as well. Yeah but I dont think that the warranty cover abuse, Plus I really dont like buying stuff I really cant hold in my own 2 hands. Plus I dont trust ebay that much

[roli_bark]

Yeah but I dont think that the warranty cover abuse, Plus I really dont like buying stuff I really cant hold in my own 2 hands. Plus I dont trust ebay that much

If you liked that lens, and it fitted your needs - I'd say: fix it.

[ron chappel]

Definitely sell it on ebay for repair/part.
As steved says there are people out there that are willing to fix things themselves (i'm one of them,lol;))
The replacement cost of that lens is only $130 at B&H

I had abit of trouble working out what you are thinking at the moment-are you considering going without a lens alltogether until you've saved up enough for a great one?
If it's likely to be awhile,i recommend going for another consumer telezoom then selling it later.They hold their resale value reasonably ok so you won't lose much.I heartily recommend checking out the marketplace forum on this site.There are many selling well looked after secondhand consumer zooms as they move up to the Pro lenses

[MrChad]

Yeah but I dont think that the warranty cover abuse, Plus I really dont like buying stuff I really cant hold in my own 2 hands. Plus I dont trust ebay that much

I got my pricing from www.BHphoto.com; I don't by glass on ebay either.

You could always check the lens out at a local shop and order the same model from BHphoto, that's what I use to do.