I have used this lens for years as a general purpose "walk around" lens, although I suspect I've overly stretched that "walk around" moniker with the places and conditions it has been and put through.
Last Saturday on the summit of Lassen Peak the auto focus function started to malfunction. I dropped it off at a Nikon repair facility yesterday and am awaiting their diagnosis and estimate - 3 to 5 days.
From online research, I figure the focus motor is shot and the repair could run well over half the price of a new lens.
So, I could have a decision ahead.
On the trail, skiing, climbing mountains, deep in Death Valley canyons, etc., the lens works well. But, it does have the well known short comings such as fairly soft focus across the board and don't ever use it all the way out to 200 mm.
I offer up these questions.
Should I get it repaired?
Should I replace it with the same lens?
Should I consider a different lens for replacement such as the 16-85mm that I was reading about last evening? It is said to be a sharper lens. I would loose reach but gain some in the wide angle.
I appreciate your respectful and experienced insights and suggestions. Thanks!
Last Saturday on the summit of Lassen Peak the auto focus function started to malfunction. I dropped it off at a Nikon repair facility yesterday and am awaiting their diagnosis and estimate - 3 to 5 days.
From online research, I figure the focus motor is shot and the repair could run well over half the price of a new lens.
So, I could have a decision ahead.
On the trail, skiing, climbing mountains, deep in Death Valley canyons, etc., the lens works well. But, it does have the well known short comings such as fairly soft focus across the board and don't ever use it all the way out to 200 mm.
I offer up these questions.
Should I get it repaired?
Should I replace it with the same lens?
Should I consider a different lens for replacement such as the 16-85mm that I was reading about last evening? It is said to be a sharper lens. I would loose reach but gain some in the wide angle.
I appreciate your respectful and experienced insights and suggestions. Thanks!