Broke my lens, suggestions for my replacement

[therest]

Few minutes ago I broke my lens! I pulled my camera from the lens while the strap was stuck in my driver side seat and broke some of the plastic that tightens it to the camera. Dumb thing to do but stuff happens. It was a the kit lens from the Nikon D80, the AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED. I am looking for something with the similar range but I also don't have a very big budget. I liked the lens even though its not the greatest thing in the world. I read that some lens have metal mounts and would like my next lens to have that. I think the one I broke was plastic..not that I would necessarily do the same thing again. I'm guessing a newer kit lens might be my best bet as it would probably be within my budget (eh maybe $300?). Any inputs is appreciated. Thanks!

[Wes]

Have you considered the Nikon 55-300? Not as wide as your old lens, but a lot more reach. Don't know if it has the metal mount you're looking for, though, but I doubt it.

[Phisch]

You might also look in the buy/sell section here.

[KJ Smith]

You might call PRC and see if the can repair/replace the mount...... unless you just want a new lens.....

[venchka]

Originally Posted by therest

...
I read that some lens have metal mounts and would like my next lens to have that. Thanks!

Back in the dark ages all lenses were made of 100% metal. Except the glass bits. They didn't break easily. Which explains why I still use several lenses from the Brass & Chrome Age.

What's your point Wayne? Buy quailty lenses. Once. It saves you money in the long run.

In the meantime, get a repair quote as Kevin suggests. Or buy a used replacement while you save for quality lenses.

[shnitz]

This happened to my dad's 18-135, we sent it in to Nikon and they fixed it. If you like the lens, just get it repaired. Even if you don't, you could probably repair it for a significant amount less than you could sell it for.

For metal mount lenses, you'll want to step up to the Nikon 16-85 or 18-200, if you want a mid-range zoom. I have the 18-200, but only because the 16-85 was announced, but not readily available.

[jkderby]

Opprotunity to change to Canon !! (just kidding)

[therest]

thanks for all the responses guys. It looks like I will look into repairing it. I really need to find the cheapest way to get to shooting right now, although the 18-200 VR sounds nice.

[Nikonfan]

The 18-200 VR is amazing.. and also very expensive. I believe you can pick one up used for just over $500. If you don't have any lenses right now and have $300 to spend, I reccomend getting the kit 18-55 VR, and the kit 55-200 VR. You can pick both up used for $300-$350.

If you want to get a faster, higher quality lens I reccomend the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. It's an amazing lens and can be had for $350-$400. That might be a tad out of your budge and won't cover as much of a range. However, it covers a very useful range and is an amazing lens. It also has the wider aperture, so you can use it in low light conditions.

[therest]

Yeah I was reading on that 18-200 VR and it is highly rated..I found one locally for $500. However, I can spend $85 + tax to fix the one I broke. Considering that I'm saving up to go to Puerto Rico, the latter sounds like the better choice. I would though like to upgrade to the 18-200 VR eventually, then the 18-200 VR 2.8 :D