zoom broken on lens

[pontifex]

Went to grab my camera bag as I was leaving today and didn't realize the top cover was not secured and the camera fell out and landed on the lens first.

Everything still works except the zoom. It was a Tamron 70-200. How does the zoom work on these and is it easy to fix? Seems like it's just on some kind of track as you twist part of the body to zoom in/out, so maybe it just popped off that track?

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Look, I won't mince words... Your lens is probably broken beyond hope. And yet, you might also have a bit of a chance. About one month ago I found a brand-new 18-55 Nikon lens with a crooked (as in "bent"), non-functional zoom. The owner probably just cursed their luck and discarded it.

Being the crazy person I am, I wondered what would happen if I just forced it back with my hands. It sounded like a dislocated joint. But, miraculously, it worked. The lens is now perfectly functional - I tested it repeatedly, and it works without problems.

Try to go to a camera repair store, and ask them to fix it. If they quote a price you're not willing to pay, you can just go ahead and try to open it yourself and try to see if the repair's within your reach. If you're resigned (or at least realistic) with the loss, you should also keep in mind that you have nothing to lose - and might even learn something in the process.

Pro-tip: Use a smartphone camera, and take pictures at every step of the dismantling process - every screw, and every part removal. You will be glad you did. Good luck!