Damaged 100-400 L

[RbnDave]

I did some serious damage to my 100-400 L today. While crossing a stream boulder to boulder, I slipped and bashed my camera backpack on a rock. When I opened the bag I noticed my 100-400's lens cap was crushed and one of the inner elements was cracked. Also, a seal might have been damaged. There was a bit of black rubber material on the inner barrel when I extended it. I haven't used the lens or exercised it in any way other than the intial inspection since my fall.

What are my options? Do you think I'll be able to get my lens fixxed.

Thanks for any advice.

Dave :cry: :cry: :cry:

[tim]

Your best option is to send it to Canon and ask for a quote for the repair. Alternately you could claim insurance - my camera gear's covered under my home contents insurance policy.

[raylks]

Go for Canon warranty or repair. You can't have another choice in fixing the lens.

[Belmondo]

Brace yourself...if it can be fixed at all, it will be expensive. I would certainly look into the insurance question.

I dropped my 100-400. It rolled out the car door onto the ground. Optically and cosmetically, it wasy okay, but the manual focus was very tight--autofocus worked okay.

I took it to Canon, and they charged $300 for the repair without making it clear what they fixed. That was their base rate for working on the lens, so there was no way it was going to cost less. I'm just glad it didn't cost more.

In your case, you have damaged optics, so that will no doubt change the dynamic.

As someone who has experienced this, you have my complete sympathy.

[Sicily1918]

I took it to Canon, and they charged $300 for the repair without making it clear what they fixed. That was their base rate for working on the lens, so there was no way it was going to cost less. I'm just glad it didn't cost more.Do you remember how long it took for them to do it? Just for future reference. As someone who has experienced this, you have my complete sympathy.No kidding... I feel for ya... I was rock-hopping yesterday with mine thinking If I fall in the water, I need to roll to the left so as to keep my camera away from it and the rocks below.

[Belmondo]

Do you remember how long it took for them to do it? Just for future reference.

To be honest, I don't remember exactly. It seems it was around 10 days, but part of that time was waiting for them to work up an estimate and mail it to me.

[Sicily1918]

To be honest, I don't remember exactly. It seems it was around 10 days, but part of that time was waiting for them to work up an estimate and mail it to me.Oh, that's quite acceptable... I know ten days is an eternity, but still...

[RbnDave]

Thanks guys.

I am calling my insurance lady tomorrow. Also I'll be calling Canon. Hopefully canon will be able to repair the lens. I've looked at it a little closer and it seems like it is only one element that is damged. The element isn't cracked, but looks like it has a layer or coating pealed off a dime sized area near its edge. Also, the lens had some dust in it before the accident so I'll want that cleaned out. I was thinking of sending it in for the dust anyways. If I can get away with only paying $300 dollars and being out a lens for 10 days I'll be very pleased. I'm betting it will cost more to replace an element.

Thanks again for the support.

BTW, I almost left the 100-400 in my car for the hike, but I figured I might see a deer and decided to keep it in my backpack. Oops.