I dropped my lens - what to do? :(
Discussion
I was at Duxford on the weekend, and the muppet I am lifted my camera bag to move it from one spot to another without closing it first. My Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 lens fell out on to the concrete.
It landed rear lens cap-first so there's no exterior damage to the lens but this happened:
The front element has come away from its mounting. There doesn't appear to be any other damage (although the whole thing is a little rattly, but I think it was before so I 'dunno).
The lens isn't worth a huge amount so I don't want to send off for a downtown repair job, unless there isn't something I could do myself. I love this (not so) little lens, so I'd really quite like to get it working again.
Any hints on a DIY?
It landed rear lens cap-first so there's no exterior damage to the lens but this happened:
The front element has come away from its mounting. There doesn't appear to be any other damage (although the whole thing is a little rattly, but I think it was before so I 'dunno).
The lens isn't worth a huge amount so I don't want to send off for a downtown repair job, unless there isn't something I could do myself. I love this (not so) little lens, so I'd really quite like to get it working again.
Any hints on a DIY?
Might be worth asking Sigma about repair costs, I think they had set prices based on focal length, and IIRC a free assessment if you send them the lens - i.e. the option to not go ahead with the repair. https://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/service-tarrif
droopsnoot said:
Might be worth asking Sigma about repair costs, I think they had set prices based on focal length, and IIRC a free assessment if you send them the lens - i.e. the option to not go ahead with the repair. https://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/service-tarrif
Good shout. Of course my lens is in Tariff #6......but given a replacement is more than twice that, it makes sense.
Well, either it is just the front element jolted loose, in which case a repair is viable, or there is more wrong and repair is almost certainly not economic.
Find a sucker cup or similar to hold the element and push it back into place, it may 'snap' in and hold, if not then a couple of bits of blue tac to temporarily hold it in.
Test lens, if it works then secure element with a couple of small dabs of glue. Job done.
If it is more broken than it looks, give up, list it for spares on eBay and go and buy a nice new 18-35 1.8. (Which is what you wanted us to say really)
Find a sucker cup or similar to hold the element and push it back into place, it may 'snap' in and hold, if not then a couple of bits of blue tac to temporarily hold it in.
Test lens, if it works then secure element with a couple of small dabs of glue. Job done.
If it is more broken than it looks, give up, list it for spares on eBay and go and buy a nice new 18-35 1.8. (Which is what you wanted us to say really)
I am thinking that selling it on eBay is the best bet. Sold for Spares. A real shame though.
I really, really like the 17-50 f/2.8 configuration as it's a bit wider than 18mm (I also have a 10-20mm Nikkor, and to be honest, 17mm covers most bases), at 50mm f/2.8 (which is quite long on DX, so nice to have) there is enough subject separation that I don't need a 50mm f/1.8 (I have a 35mm f/1.8 that does produce more separation/bokeh but not really enough to carry an extra lens) and overall it's a sharp motherf
ker. On my D7500 the combo is a little heavy for just general walking around but otherwise great. And all for ~£200 used.
The 18-35mm f/1.8 is lovely but not sure it's worth the extra!
I really, really like the 17-50 f/2.8 configuration as it's a bit wider than 18mm (I also have a 10-20mm Nikkor, and to be honest, 17mm covers most bases), at 50mm f/2.8 (which is quite long on DX, so nice to have) there is enough subject separation that I don't need a 50mm f/1.8 (I have a 35mm f/1.8 that does produce more separation/bokeh but not really enough to carry an extra lens) and overall it's a sharp motherf
ker. On my D7500 the combo is a little heavy for just general walking around but otherwise great. And all for ~£200 used.The 18-35mm f/1.8 is lovely but not sure it's worth the extra!
toohuge said:
I’ve seen a fair few Nikon 17-55’s on the market recently. I love mine. It is a little heavy though.
I bought one for weddings and it's now my general purpose lens. Fast, wide, very good quality. Yes it's a bit chunky but that gives you extra man points over the weaklings with their kit lenses 
I decided to have a go before sticking on eBay.
The mode of failure was the front element had dropped out of its holder - a minimal interference fit so that's a weak-link in the lens! Will be careful not to drop again....
Sample photos look great (except the ones from my phone to show you the process)
Edited by GroundEffect on Tuesday 5th June 19:54
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