Help - potential repair costs of 24-70 F2.8 Sigma

[booyaka]

After spending a nice day out with my son, playing all day we took a trip down to the river.

Playing about and skimming stones.........(probably see where this is going!)

Anyway - he went to launch a stone into the water but instead of going forwards - it's goes backwards and cracks right into the front of my sigma f2.8 24-70 lens

So cue panicked moment whilst I check out the damage and find a large chip on the glass element Probably teach me to use a clear filter on the front next time but hey ho...

Anyway - when taking pictures the lens works fine, no mechanical damage but there is a large black spot (that I presume is the chip) showing thru the view finder and on the pictures.

Question is - since this is my main "stock" lens - what are the potential costs to getting it fixed and where ???

 

[Andy90]

No idea about how much it is going to cost, but firstly try Sigma itself, their service/support page can be found at

http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/network/index.htm

If you scroll down to their UK entry they have a direct email link. I'm sure they'll give you a ballpark figure for replacement of the lens element and labour costs.

I'm sure a few other people might mention reputable repair companies that they have used. I would email them one by one and see what you are quoted.

 

[D.P.]

Sorry about the accident. A high quality clear/uv filter may have helped but a cheap filter would haves shattered and sent shards of razor sharp glass over the front of the lens making things worse.

It is also unusual that a a chip in the front element makes a dark spot in the photos. Normally the images just get a little softer. If you put a finger in front of the lens when focused far enough away you would never notice the finger there. I've seen images with competed smashed front elements that looked fine.


You should contact either sigma or a reputable. Repair place together an estimate for replacing a front element. It won't be cheap but probably worth it for the sigma.


Also, check out what your house insurance has to say. I've had lenses broken and then replaced by property insurance. I have a nice manual focu 18-70 lens.

 

[booyaka]

Thanks gents - I have email sigma and await their response.

Will see where I go from there - it's the 1st time in ages I've had the camera out so could be an expensive one!

Right before the incident happened and thankfully the stone was a little smaller that hit the camera!!

 

[booyaka]

response from Sigma estimating £110-£120 repair bill inc Vat (subject to inspection)

I might live with it for a few weeks, take some more pictures and see if it's obvious in the pictures whether it needs fixed or not.

 

[Jase]

response from Sigma estimating £110-£120 repair bill inc Vat (subject to inspection)

I might live with it for a few weeks, take some more pictures and see if it's obvious in the pictures whether it needs fixed or not.

You'll know it's there and whether you intentionally do it or not you'll always be looking for it (I know I would) so get it repaired now and save the wait

 

[D.P.]

Costs seem reasonable to me. I'm afraid that is the going rate, I doubt you will find cheaper elsewhere.

 

[booyaka]

You'll know it's there and whether you intentionally do it or not you'll always be looking for it (I know I would) so get it repaired now and save the wait

i know - that's the main thing - even though I'm not using the camera just now - it's bugging me already!!