Busted Nikon lens
Discussion
My most commonly used lens, a Nikon 18-200VR1 is busted. Quote for repair from Nikon is £383. Nikon are replacing the Second Group Tube Unit and SWM Unit.
AFAIK the going rate for this lens new (the VRII model) is >£500 so it makes sense to have it repaired.
But there is one Fleabay commercial seller in Ireland selling them new for about £350. What is going on?
AFAIK the going rate for this lens new (the VRII model) is >£500 so it makes sense to have it repaired.
But there is one Fleabay commercial seller in Ireland selling them new for about £350. What is going on?
Edited by creampuff on Monday 28th November 21:07
^ For replacing it with a used lens off Fleabay: can't get excited about that as a used lens may have issues which it will take a while for me to find out about. I'm satisfied that if Nikon do the repair, it will work as well as a new lens.
The question for me then is should I mess with a Fleabay seller who seems to be selling a new lens for 1/3 less than it is available everywhere else or have it repaired?
The question for me then is should I mess with a Fleabay seller who seems to be selling a new lens for 1/3 less than it is available everywhere else or have it repaired?
creampuff said:
^ For replacing it with a used lens off Fleabay: can't get excited about that as a used lens may have issues which it will take a while for me to find out about. I'm satisfied that if Nikon do the repair, it will work as well as a new lens.
The question for me then is should I mess with a Fleabay seller who seems to be selling a new lens for 1/3 less than it is available everywhere else or have it repaired?
Buy from MPB or Wex and you'll have the chance to return if you're not happy and a 6 month warranty as well.... It's a no brainer. I wouldn't bother with eBay to be honest. The question for me then is should I mess with a Fleabay seller who seems to be selling a new lens for 1/3 less than it is available everywhere else or have it repaired?
Would think it's madness to repair it at that price. Sure, the components that are replaced will be as good as new but everything else will still be 'old' and could be as prone to failure as any other used lens you buy.
As others have said, you could buy a used one from a reputable seller for less with a bit of warranty or indeed, Panamoz will sell you a brand new one for £399 or even an 18-300 for £445. 3 year warranty as well.
As others have said, you could buy a used one from a reputable seller for less with a bit of warranty or indeed, Panamoz will sell you a brand new one for £399 or even an 18-300 for £445. 3 year warranty as well.
creampuff said:
Anyway, where is the cheapest place to buy a 18-200 VRII where there is no danger of fakes/used passed off as new etc etc?
There won't be a fake version but if you want to avoid grey imports and no back-up; ie you want a fair price from a 'proper' company that you can ring up or visit, I'd look at http://www.wexphotographic.comI recently sourced a s/h D3 from MPB, it was significantly better condition than described & priced at the same level as ebay private sellers - ie: I'd highly recommend MPB. Alternatively, it might be worth getting a cheaper quote for your 18-200 - Nikon are very very expensive; I've had a 24-70 repaired elsewhere for less than half a Nikon quote.
If it were my money I'd have my 18-200 repaired if under £200 as it's a known quantity and has new parts, and FWIW those talking about VR1 vs VR11 - I've always found the latter to be significantly sharper alongside the other benefits.
If it were my money I'd have my 18-200 repaired if under £200 as it's a known quantity and has new parts, and FWIW those talking about VR1 vs VR11 - I've always found the latter to be significantly sharper alongside the other benefits.
I think there's more too it, the VR system better too IIRC? It may just be iterative improvement, inevitably the later ones are better or Nikon quietly did something. But I've had a few of both, and the VRII is always better, reviews say the same. Both are sharp as warm chocolate at the long end tbf
If you do decide to go down the repair route.. I remember reading good things about Nikon Repair Centre Taiwan.
http://petapixel.com/2013/06/22/nikons-taiwan-repa...
http://petapixel.com/2013/06/22/nikons-taiwan-repa...
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