Tamron lens repair (Update)

[Shutterbug]

What was the turn around time?
I noticed yesterday. That I have what looks like a smudge on one of the inside lens. I am not sure if its a smudge or damage to the lens. In any case it is greatly affecting the photos so I need to send it in to get it repaired.

Has anyone dealt with Tamron? How was the turnaround?
Also if the optics are damaged is it worth it to get it fixed?
I see there is a current rebate and I could get a new one for around $450.

 

[AndrewWG]

What was the turn around time?
I noticed yesterday. That I have what looks like a smudge on one of the inside lens. I am not sure if its a smudge or damage to the lens. In any case it is greatly affecting the photos so I need to send it in to get it repaired.

Has anyone dealt with Tamron? How was the turnaround?
Also if the optics are damaged is it worth it to get it fixed?
I see there is a current rebate and I could get a new one for around $450.

Yes I have! Just recently actually. It was a fantastic experience. I sent the lens in, they e-mailed right away with their estimate. The zoom was broken and covered under warranty but the front element had a small chip in it (my bad) and they only charged me $28 to put in a new one. Once I called with the payment, I got the lens returned within 3 or 4 working days. Super fast and the lens is like new! Can't say enough good things about my experience.

 

[alloyd1170]

I did the other year when the af quit working on my 18-270. It was surprisingly still under warranty (barely) so I sent it off. I also asked them to clean the dust out inside. I think the total time it was gone was 1-1.5 weeks from the time I dropped it at UPS to the time it was back in my hands. They were very good, sent me updates, and a tracking number when it was shipped back. I can't remember, but I think I only had to pay shipping to them? Or else they sent me a label?

Bottom line, I was impressed. Lens came back looking like new. At the time, it was my go-to lens and was so worried about not having it. I was thinking it might be 4-6 weeks based on past repairs through other companies. Not the case at all.

 

[Shutterbug]

Thanks for the replies. I had searched myself but all I had found were old posts on other forums. They stated turn around times of about a month. Hopefully mine will be easy to fix and I will get it back soon.

 

[Shutterbug]

UPDATE:
Well I have my lens back!

I sent it out from NE Ohio on Friday 14th. It arrived at the New York location on Monday morning and by Monday afternoon, I had a quote emailed to me.
Replace damaged element
Disassemble and clean entire lens
General check, clean and adjust.

Price: $155.00

I called them Tuesday morning and gave them a credit card number. They stated it would be a 3 day turnaround. Using the track your repair page they have, I saw that it was sent out Friday. I received it here today, Tuesday.

Looking over the lens, it looks pretty close to brand new. The one thing, that I noticed is different is that the zoom function is alot stiffer to turn now. I dont remember it being that way when I first bought the lens.
The other thing I noticed is on the paperwork that came with the lens.
It states that due to the nature of the repair, the serial number has been changed. Interesting.

Cant wait to get out and try it out to make sure its as sharp as it was before.

 

[TC09]

Sounds like Tamron has good customer service. Good to know because I own two of their lenses.

Shutterbug, what lens did you have repaired? Just curious.

 

[Shutterbug]

It is the 17-50 2.8, Its the NON VC version.
I dont know how it happened but somehow I scratched/chipped and inner element.

 

[AndrewWG]

Nice! I love how mine is a tighter zoom now. Same lens, different problems but they also changed my serial number. Not sure why.

 

[Shutterbug]

Well IMO the zoom is now too tight for my taste. It feels like its sticking when I try to turn it. I really have to put more pressure on it to get it turn now. It just doesn't feel as fluid zooming it in and out due to it being harder to turn. I hope with use it will free up some.

I am curious about the serial # change though. I wonder if its because it now has a part that has been upgraded or changed since the original build. Though it could be that it was changed just as a way to follow it if it comes back for more repairs or adjustments.