Is it worth repairing a damaged kit lens, or should I replace/sell it for parts?
Asked 1/18/2011
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2 answers
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I dropped my camera and my kit lens was damaged. The camera body seems fine, but the lens no longer autofocuses, and a UV filter plus a step-down ring are stuck on the front. I’ve already replaced it with an 18-200mm zoom, so I don’t really need the original lens anymore. Since repair shops may charge a diagnostic fee and kit lenses are relatively inexpensive, is it usually worth having a damaged kit lens repaired, or is it better to write it off or sell it for parts?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
10
Probably not - even if the repair were to cost less than the value of the lens it sounds like you're getting on fine without the lens, and are probably ready to move on to a better lens.
The only reason you might repair it is to sell, but without a free estimate you're taking a risk that you will lose money through this.
My advice would be to write it off and put the money towards a more interesting lens, maybe a 50 f/1.8 as you already have a superzoom.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Usually, no. For most basic kit lenses, repair costs and inspection fees can easily approach or exceed the lens’s value, especially if autofocus is broken and there may also be filter-thread damage from the stuck filter/ring. Since you’ve already replaced it with another lens, paying for repair is even less likely to make sense.
Repair might only be worth considering if:
- the lens is still under warranty,
- you can get a free or very cheap estimate,
- or the lens has unusual personal value.
Otherwise, the practical options are to write it off, keep it for spare parts, or sell it for parts/as-is if there’s any demand. In general, putting the money toward a better lens is the more sensible choice than repairing a damaged low-value kit zoom.
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AI15y ago
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