80 - 400 repair?

pbull221

My VR 80-400 F4.5-f5.6 D ED AF fell about 6~9 inches onto hard pack snow. The zoom ring does nothing. The focus motor barely runs at all. I took it to an expert repairman (whom i trust) who said he can not get parts for it. Nikon repair is a fraud (I sent it in for a fall from back in 2012, they gouged me financially and the lens was never as smooth or fast again.) I have insurance but do not know if that will help. Advice &/or suggestions please.

[Deleted User]

I would get an estimate for repair submit it to insurance and use the procceds to buy a used one in good condition or an alternative. My experience with that lens was that it was hard to use and not a particularly good performer. The new Tamron 100-400 would likely work much better for you. The Nikon afs version of your lens is better but not considered great, and is much more expensive.

pbull221

Thank you. No parts to be found. Prohibitive expense to repair even w parts. Thanks for your observations.