My 200-400 is developing a light ticking noise when zooming in and out. I bought it used and the zoom has always seemed a little stiff but the only other zoom I have to compare it to is a 70-200 VR2. I still get good results from the lens.
I filled out the Nikon website repair form to find an authorized repair center and I get "Only Nikon is authorized to repair your Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED. Please use our online repair form to generate a packing slip, shipping label and printable instructions for receiving service".
A search on the forum comes up with a lot of recommendations for APS. Will APS repair these lenses or am I stuck using Nikon?
Should I be concerned about continuing to use the lens as it is?
In April of 2011 I had to have my 200-400 VR I lens repaired because the lens Auto Focus would stick at the minimum distance. If I manually changed the focus off the minimum distance, it would resume normal AF operation, but a high pitched squealing sound would be emitted.
I brought the camera into a local authorized Nikon service center, C.R.I.S. (conveniently located a few miles from my front door). They told me that they could only do minor repairs and would most likely send it Nikon in California. Two weeks later, I picked up my lens from CRIS with a bill of $390. As expected, the lens had been sent to Nikon's California service center where they replaced the bayonet mount, signal pin, adjusted Auto Focus operation and cleaned/checked to manufacturer's specifications. I've had no problems since then, and the lens functions wonderfully again.
Due to illness I just now got a chance to talk to them. They assured me that they will be able to source parts for it if needed. I will be boxing it up and shipping it off in the next couple days. The person I talked to on the phone thought that it sounded like impact damage . I bought the lens second hand on FM and have never abused or had any form of impact since I have owned it. Hope it isn't too painful to have it repaired.
I just got my estimate from APS. It needs, lens barrel, zoom cam ring, zoom roller/guide ring, AF gear shaft, repair focusing mechanism, repair zoom mechanism, repair auto focus operation, clean and adjust. Comes to $750 plus shipping.
. I bought the lens second hand on FM and have never abused or had any form of impact since I have owned it. Hope it isn't too painful to have it repaired.