EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L: Cheaper to repair or replace after drop?

[EA1]

Hello, I am a photographer using a EF 70-200mm 2.8 L Ultrasonic and about a year ago, the lens fell onto the floor on the street while opening my bag. It still works now, however, the zoom scroll is very stiff and gets stuck at 135mm a lot of times and I have to put more force and move it around a bit to get it to 200mm. My question is, would it be cheaper to repair this damage or just sell it for parts and buy a new lens? Canon has since discontinued service for the EF 70-200mm I use as of June 30th or this year. 

I do astrophotography and for me a zoom lens is a must; I appreciate any recommendations given! 

[shadowsports]

Greetings ,

Based on a forum post, it's hard to evaluate how much it would cost to properly repair the lens.  Finding someone who can repair it could be difficult.  Even if they have the expertise, they may not be able to get parts.  I think KEH might perform camera / lens repairs.  You can check with them.  

If you need a lens immediately, they'd also be a good source for a used replacement.  MPB and the used department at B&H or Adorama might also be good sources.  I don't see any refurbished units being offered from Canon currently, but they have brand new lenses available today.

[ebiggs1]

" Finding someone who can repair it could be difficult."

I don't think so, this is a super popular lens. Tons of them out there and shops know them. KEH does repairs for instance call them. Do a google search and I am sure you will find shops that are willing and able to repair your lens if it is cost efficient.

Easiest and fastest, replace, again tons of them out there.

[Waddizzle]

“ I don't think so, this is a super popular lens. “

It was a “super popular” lens 30+ years ago.  Spare parts will be hard to find.

[JamesHarvey]

Sounds suspiciously like the zoom cams, that translate ring rotation to in-out movement, are mangled or broken.  Sadly, if that's the mark1 or mark2 version it's no longer supported by Canon, which means that a repair shop would have to hunt round to find parts.  If I were you I would get it into a good repair shop ASAP before you do more damage to the cams, they might still be repairable, but replacement is more likely the only fix. 

[ebiggs1]

"It was a “super popular” lens 30+ years ago.  Spare parts will be hard to find."

That makes 'parts' easier to find not harder. Perhaps new parts may be in short supply but certainly not cannibalized parts.

I recently had reason to get parts for my ef 85mm f1.2L Mk II and found them readily available. It is only 20 years old but not close to anywhere near as popular as the EF 70-200mm 2.8 L Ultrasonic is/was.

[shadowsports]

Ernie, @ebiggs1 

If it's not a later variant, parts availability may be limited.  Keep in mind that Canon is no longer repairing the mkI or mkII products likely due to parts availability not lack of expertise.

It has nothing to do with expertise and everything to do with parts availability.  😉

[JamesHarvey]

Problem is that the first thing that fails on those lenses is the zoom cams, as the OP is finding and as I did, as they are the part most easily damaged by normal use (I.e. plain worn out) and abuse/accident.  I suspect that Canon assumed they would not get much damage as the zoom is internal, so they are not that strong in that lens. On mine the plastic actually seemed to have lost its strength and finish (slipperiness), which is not uncommon on older plastic components.  All of this tends to mean that, sadly, they will commonly be the part that has failed in lenses being stripped for parts. 

[ebiggs1]

"It has nothing to do with expertise and everything to do with parts availability."

I don't believe anyone suggested "expertise" as an issue. Pro techs that regularly repair camera lenses have the expertise. Now with a super popular lens as this one, parts, perhaps not new but used parts, should be possible.

It is meaningless to banter this about until the OP attempts to have it done. I am only saying it is not only possible but it is likely that it can be done. Don't be so negative.

[March411]

Depending on where you live it is worth checking if a local repair center is willing to take a loom at it because they have parts available. I used a local provider near me (Royal Camera Service) for my EF lens and DSLR bodies when Canon no longer supported repair. When items were to costly for repair they would make me an offer (very small) to keep the lens for parts. They cannibalize un-repairable items and keep the parts that are in good working condition. I had a 60D that I wanted to hold onto, they had used parts and get the body back in action. My daughter still uses it today.

The cost may be prohibitive but I would roll with @ebiggs1 suggestion and try some shops close by to see if they still service the lens or reach out to KEH. Again with KEH the cost may be prohibitive when you include shipping two ways but it can't hurt to make a couple calls if you love the lens.