Lens repair options?

I dropped my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens but have never had to send any gear away for repair before now. Do most use Canon or a third party when trusting repair of your Canon equipment?

Thank you for any input.

Canon has the equipment to align any elements that are out of adjustment. I am not sure if independent shops can do this. I think I would send it to Canon.

I'm going to do some test shots with this lens today, but so far it seems OK in good light with still subjects. The problem shows up when I've been shooting indoor sports (poor light, no strobes). What used to be in focus is now clearly not. There are zero outward signs of damage: no cracked lens, body dents, etc. I see two options at Canon: repair or maintenance. If my problem is a vague focus issue after a drop, would you automatically choose repair? Does the maintenance option diagnose problems?

Those might seem like silly questions to the more experienced, I know. I'm simply not sure, yet, if the lens is truly damaged or if basic maintenance would clear up my problem. Maybe some controlled lens tests over the weekend will clear up my confusion, though.

I welcome input and opinions from the more experienced on the topic of damage and repair. Many thanks.

Canon is a known entity. It has all of the equipment necessary to take care of whatever is needed, has access to documentation not available to all, has seen every issue imaginable, and people that know the equipment inside out. A third party might be great, but could also suck. Some have highly skilled people that can do a fantastic job but others might have a bunch of high school part time kids following a you-tube videos. Do your homework when going 3rd party.

You'll have to choose the repair option. You dropped lens is probably suffering from some alignment of elements and possibly a focus motor problem. You can send it in, and get a estimate of the repairs it needs. Another option would be call KEH, they have a repair section. I'm not sure how well they do, but I'd give them a call. One other is to get a good U.S. photo magazine, and look in the back for camera/lens repair companies. Good luck.

B