Dropped my 17-55mm DX - Repair Questions

[vivid_earth_photographics]

<p>Sooner or later I guess we all do something bone-headed. I failed to fully click the 17-55mm f/2.8 Nikon DX into place and it fell off my camera onto rock hard surface. It still focuses properly as nearly as I can tell. but the zoom ring feels odd in one place when rotating it as if the ring/mechanism is ever so slightly bent out of a perfect circular form. Same with putting the lens on the camera: it has the slightest odd feeling at one point. <br>

I think the point of impact was close to the front element but on the side. My inclination is to send it in to Nikon for rehab. <br>

Does anyone have any idea what range of costs to fix I am looking at if the elements are okay but the lens casing is slightly warped now? Also, any advice on whether I should bring it to an "authorized repair center" (in NYC), or send it directly to Nikon? <br>

It is my favorite lens and I am still beating myself up over this. </p>

[acbeddoe]

<p>I have had lenses repaired at my favorite authorized repair center in eastern Mass. You can probably count on $200 - $300.<br>

I have not sent any lenses to Nikon.</p>

[kurt_holter]

<p>I had an identical thing happen last spring with my 70-200/f2.8 AF-S lens. Nikon charged me $545.00 for the repair. My lens would neither focus nor zoom after it hit the ground, but there was no optical damage. It came back from Nikon as good as new.</p>