Dropped my 18-105 VR, now what do I do?

[Jake2k]

Well it finally happened, I've dropped my camera . Fortunately the camera seems fine but there is definitely something wrong with the lens, it operates fine and it takes ok looking shots but once you zoom in a bit you'll notice that the sharpness went out the window. So now I'm faced with a few options:

1. Try and get the lens repaired, I think Nikon wants like $200+ and I'm waiting on a second estimate from a place in St. Pete. but if it's close to the same price then it might be easier to just go with #2

2. Buy another used 18-105, I'm fine with buying used/refurbished so thats not a concern and I have seen these go for a little above $200 used but then there is option #3 that keeps popping back up in the back of my head

3. Use this as an excuse to upgrade to something a little better, I like this option but the part that's holding me back is the funds. I've been looking at a few Nikon/Sigma wide zoom(I gotta have at least 18mm at the wide end) lenses that look nice, particularly the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5($350 used). But again the problem is I only have about $150 tops to spend currently and I might be able to sell my busted 18-105 for another $100 or so which still leaves me like $100 short.

Extra option. Sell the 18-105 and pick up a cheap 18-55 as a temporary lens till I can get the funds together for something better.

I wish I had more to spend but I just bough some new flash triggers which I desperately needed and I've gotta move into a new place(again) in a month or two.

So what would you do? Anyone have any other ideas/thoughts or lens suggestions? Thanks!

[xnissan240x]

I would use this as an excuse to upgrade to something else. I don't know much about Nikon, but I have a few Tokina lenses for my Canon and they shoot super crisp. Do you rely on your camera or that lens to make money? Are you shooting full frame? Can you go without that lens for a little while you save up for something a little better? I don't really like aftermarket stuff but the couple Tokinas I have, never failed me. They are nice and heavy duty as well. I have gotten several shots published that have been taken with them as well.

[civic99]

I was thinking about selling my 18-55 VR to upgrade to a 18-105 haha how ironic. But I'd say sell the busted lens and save up and upgrade. Is that the only lens you have? What do you need it for ? I'd say go for a cheap prime lens for now like a 50mm 1.8 ?

edit:

Nevermind saw you need 18mm :/ there are alot of cheap 18-55mm out there if you want a temp one then resell it.

[Jake2k]

Yea that's what I was thinking, I've seen the 18-55's go for under $100 before and I know they're decent little lenses.

[civic99]

Yea that's what I was thinking, I've seen the 18-55's go for under $100 before and I know they're decent little lenses.

Exactly and you know when you buy it there is little to no chance that you'll be at a loss of profit on it since they all have great resell value.

[Jake2k]

Just got the estimate from the place in St. Pete., they say it'll be at least $160 so not too far off from Nikon's estimate. I'm going to start looking for an 18-55 for under $100 and I guess try and sell this 18-105, I was thinking I'd put it up for $135 since it works fine and would still make a good walk around, or "soccer mom", lens.

Then it'll be back to reading reviews and trying to find out what I should eventually upgrade to, and again if anyone has any lens suggestions either for my temporary solution or for the upgrade let me hear them. My only requirements is that it has to be at least 18mm at the wide end(on a crop sensor), made by the either Nikon, Sigma, or Tamron and be under or around $100 for the temporary and $500 for the upgrade.

[civic99]

Just got the estimate from the place in St. Pete., they say it'll be at least $160 so not too far off from Nikon's estimate. I'm going to start looking for an 18-55 for under $100 and I guess try and sell this 18-105, I was thinking I'd put it up for $135 since it works fine and would still make a good walk around, or "soccer mom", lens.

Then it'll be back to reading reviews and trying to find out what I should eventually upgrade to, and again if anyone has any lens suggestions either for my temporary solution or for the upgrade let me hear them. My only requirements is that it has to be at least 18mm at the wide end(on a crop sensor), made by the either Nikon, Sigma, or Tamron and be under or around $100 for the temporary and $500 for the upgrade.

Hmmm I would trade you for mine but I'm saving up for an actual fisheye lens not an attachment, got any suggestions?

[Jake2k]

I know there are a few manual focus/meter fisheyes out there for around $300-$400 but there usually from lesser know brands like Rokinon or Bowens. But it still might be an option if you don't feel like dropping $500+ for a Nikkor/Sigma. I'd love a fisheye but unless I started getting paid to shoot skateboarders or something I don't think I'll ever be able to justify the price haha.

[civic99]

I know there are a few manual focus/meter fisheyes out there for around $300-$400 but there usually from lesser know brands like Rokinon or Bowens. But it still might be an option if you don't feel like dropping $500+ for a Nikkor/Sigma. I'd love a fisheye but unless I started getting paid to shoot skateboarders or something I don't think I'll ever be able to justify the price haha.

I had a fisheye attachment and it was like 25 bucks but it did alot of vignetting and blurry edges and just the middle was in focus it was so terrible, I sold it but it kind of did the job, I'm just too picky. I don't really mind the all manual lenses but then again I do since now I shoot alot in S .

BTW you should get this

[sfr002]

Good luck found this on Craigslist.

Nikon Lenses

[civic99]

Or this

CL lens

[Jake2k]

Thanks for the links guys, I'll have to see if the guy selling the 18-55 and 55-200 is welling to separate them. As for the 18-135 I read a bunch of reviews back when it was between that and my 18-105 and that latter won by a long shot and their not that far off as far as price goes. I've narrowed it down that I need a Sigma or Nikkor wide-zoom with at least 18mm on the wide end and under or around $100.

[civic99]

I have a Sigma 28-90mm F3.5-5.6 in mint mint condition if you're interested. I'm in Clearwater as well. Hood and bag as well.

[Jake2k]

Thanks but I need something a little wider, I think I'm pretty set on a used Nikkor 18-70 actually

[civic99]

Well if you know anyone that wants to buy it let me know, I guess i'll let it go for 100 bucks