I called up a friend to ask him about havel. He took his canon in for repair and didnt have any complaints but that was serveral years ago. Any way i'm sure they'll help you out and takecare of it for you. Goodluck and let us know how it goes.

Yeah I called. I got their contact info off of Nikon's web site. I'm going to take it by for an estimate, but we need it back by the 20th for a shoot, so I'm in a time sensitive bind. I guess I can always rent one if its not ready yet.

You called then? Nikon doesnt list them as an Afs lens repair center? So my question to them would be do they do the lens repair inhouse or do they ship it to nikon? Why not insure yor lens with Ups? Or at least take it to havel and get the free estimate.

They do lens repairs... They are the only authorized repair store in Texas, so its kind of them or ship it to Nikon. I'm thinking this wouldn't be in warranty. It was one of those "Fell out of the camera bag" sort of incidents. Optically, it seems to be just fine. So at least there is that.

You can check them out here:
http://www.havelcamera.com/

Hey willis! Where have you been hiding? Your lens is nolonger under warranty? Havel is the only authorized nikon repaircenter in the state but i dont think they do lens repair just bodies. Have you tried calling them to ask? If they do then i'd give the local guys a shot at it. That's still a long drive though!

Hey folks... been a while since I've posted here.

Quick question: I've got a 24-70 zoom that's got a busted zoom ring. I was wondering what your opinion was on taking it to an authorized service center (Havel Camera in San Antonio) vs. sending it to Nikon.

I'm kind of nervous about trusting UPS w/ my gear.

Have any of you ever used these guys? Do you know how it they compare in terms of pricing? Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks.