Dropped lens :(

[echogirl]

My husband accidently dropped my beautiful 50mm f1.4 lens (It was mostly my fault as I was changing lenses and didn't thread it knowing I was going to come back to it.)
It won't focus now. It's such a bummer because lens are so expensive in Canada and I loved it so.
Has anyone had success sending it to Canon to fix their lenses?
I'm shooting with a full frame camera. Would you take the opportunity to change to a 85mm f1.8? Any other recommendations?
Signed,
Brokenhearted and lensless in Vancouver

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

I don't have any suggestions or advice, but I can say I'M SO SORRY.

[cheska99]

It's certainly worth trying to get Canon to fix it, but be sure you get an estimate before they do. As for the 85 mm, all I can say is this. My 50 mm is basically an 85 because I'm using a crop sensor. I am always wanting more wide angle than that. I think if you loved your 50 1.4, you're going to feel a bit stifled by the 85. JMHO

[earlofoxford]

No advice here -- just wanted to offer my condolences.

[katrinak]

Canon will send you an estimate before they repair it as well as a link to all of the "deals" they are having on other lenses!

I'd send it in and hope.

I'd be heartbroken too!

[Jen D]

Such a bummer! I sold my 85mm ... I never really used it. I felt that indoors I had to be pushed against the wall to get my shot in. But, I know many photographers enjoy the focal length so it might be just me

[digigrandma]

Oh, Doris, I'm sorry for you!

[Britgirl]

oh no no no. its a horrible feeling I'm so sorry. estimate before buying new or reconditioned. ack. I'm so sorry. I dropped a lens in portugal and its smashed on the rocks at my feet I was absolutely gutted. still, it was not your camera right? we must think positive!

[MIDA78466]

so so sorry!

[mugsbigsis]

Oh, my, I feel bad for you both. :O( Hope Katrina's link can help.

[justmp]

Oh...that's sad.

[echogirl]

You ladies are all so sweet. Thanks, I was feeling really sory for myself. You're right Mel..it wasn't my camera!
I called my local camera shop and they told me canon charges a nonrefundable $50.00 for the estimate...but then I read Katrina's advice and called canon myself. It seems if you send it to canon yourself there is a no fee estimate for repair. So thanks you guys!

[carollee]

One thing is for certain, everyone here will understand exactly how you're feeling. Hope it works out in the end.

[Julie DeGuia]

Originally Posted by echogirl

You ladies are all so sweet. Thanks, I was feeling really sory for myself. You're right Mel..it wasn't my camera!
I called my local camera shop and they told me canon charges a nonrefundable $50.00 for the estimate...but then I read Katrina's advice and called canon myself. It seems if you send it to canon yourself there is a no fee estimate for repair. So thanks you guys!

Doris - I had to send my 5D in to get repaired. I don't believe there is a fee for the estimate but adding the shipping there and back (they will probably charge you to return it) will most likely come to over $50 anyway. The focus screen fell out on my camera and I paid around $220 plus the shipping to send it there. The process was easy and it was a quick turnaround. And I hate to admit it but I haven't taken a picture yet to see if the camera is working! It is one I am going to sell so I should probably check it out! LOL!

[muddygirl]

I hate the feeling of something important getting lost or broken. I hope Canon can fix it for you.

[susiecw]

Oh gee. So sorry your lens was dropped. Hope it can be fixed.

[readstoomuch]

Doris . . . I don't have any advice . . . only offering my sympathy.

[esther_a]

Oh, no! These things are so easily broken, aren't they!? I'm sending off my Tamron lens for repair tomorrow. Fingers crossed they'll fix it under warranty!!

[anke]

could it still be under warranty? I was very lucky that way with my lens. I can only imagine how you must feel, that is such a bummer!!! Good luck to you!

[iUma]

Doris. YUK!! I dropped that VERY lens right in front of Katrina and Myra and all the rest of the people in San An last year......it feel to the pavement and rolled toward the street. I grabbed it and acted tres cool. They were quiet....as in reverent and terrified. Thankfully the lens was not damaged. But I can so so relate!!

Scott Kelby says telephoto lens are almost as good as fixed lens now. So you could consider a 2.8 telephoto in a range that includes the 50. More $ but more versatility too. Randy recommended a 24-70 lens for walk around travel on an earlier thread here and I find it is perfect, too.

I am sorry you have to deal with this. LEt us know how Canon behaves.

[dugarner]

Originally Posted by iUma

Doris. YUK!! I dropped that VERY lens right in front of Katrina and Myra and all the rest of the people in San An last year......it feel to the pavement and rolled toward the street. I grabbed it and acted tres cool. They were quiet....as in reverent and terrified. Thankfully the lens was not damaged. But I can so so relate!!

Scott Kelby says telephoto lens are almost as good as fixed lens now. So you could consider a 2.8 telephoto in a range that includes the 50. More $ but more versatility too. Randy recommended a 24-70 lens for walk around travel on an earlier thread here and I find it is perfect, too.

I am sorry you have to deal with this. LEt us know how Canon behaves.

Ooh, this is chock full of good information! You have some kind of lens angel, I cannot believe your lens didn't break. I would have been wiping tears of sadness from my cheek if I saw someone drop a lens. I feel so bad for you, Doris. I dropped my CAMERA in December 2008 and thought it was okay, picked it up and saw the split all the way across the back, and stood there in shock.

You know when you get three photographers in a room and ask their opinion about something, you'll get five opinions. And I always thought the prevailing opinion was variable length lenses were never going to be as good as fixed-length. That information from Scott is encouraging because I would love to have the versatility of the telephoto without sacrificing the quality. I think in the long run I will get frustrated being limited by a fixed-length lens. For now, though, the 50 1.7 is going to have to be what I buy since it's so cheap. When the kids are gone, private school tuition is done, no more orthodontia, and I have an income again, maybe I can start buying all these fun toys!

[shellb]

I too dropped a lens (more than once) and was advised that it would be nearly the same price to just buy a new lens. So I did.

I hope the issue is small and easily repairable. Fingers crossed for you!

[roxygirl78]

oh my goodness, my heart breaks for you! i really hope it is rectified soon! I'm super paranoid after my mishap, i hope you can enjoy your camera again once this is rectified instead of being a nutjob like me. lol!

[sweetpeony]

Originally Posted by dugarner

When the kids are gone, private school tuition is done, no more orthodontia, and I have an income again, maybe I can start buying all these fun toys!

LOL, Sarah!

[champsarahjoy]

Oh NO! So sorry this happened to you!
DH actually dropped the whole camera bag this winter (but it was sort of my fault for not zipping the bag)...two cameras, three lenses. We had to send in two of them to Canon. They did a fine job. Sent an estimate before repairing and had them back quickly.

[KerryMac]

I bet your stomach plunged 2 floors straight down when that happened! Such a bummer.
I dropped the first 2.8 fixed telephoto lens that I ever had about 3 years ago. Sent it in for an estimate...I was shocked at the cost to repair. Given that the lens was 10 years old, I decided to replace it with the Canon 2.8 24-70 which has become my favorite lens.
Maybe the cost to repair yours will be more reasonable. I hope so!