Need help: Nikkor lens question

So I managed to drop my wife's Nikon SLR. In doing so, the Nikkor 18-55 lens that was attached to the body was damaged. I guess the impact managed to break off 2 of the 3 tiny plastic tabs that act as the anchor points to attach the lends to the body. At the moment, the lens will still attach to the body, but is very loose, given that only 1 of the 3 plastic tabs is present.

So my question is...can I replace just the part that has those rings? Or will I be forced to buy an entire new lens.

Pic below for reference. The tabs in question are located around the opening on the right of this picture:

I'm guessing Nikon has a service department. I'd say call them.

I shoot Canon, but have had to send in pieces of equipment for service. More often than not, the price seems very fair.

TBH, that's the cheap Nikon kit lens that comes with most of their DSLRs and as such, any repair bill is likely to exceed the cost of replacing it. "Cheap" refers to the purchase price, btw, not the quality of the lens as it's rather good for a kit lens.

I'd troll ebay for a replacement, that's most likely your best option. For example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-DX-Zoom-Nikkor-AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6G-VR-18-55mm-F-3-5-5-6-/321060148955?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4ac0ad16db

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-18-55MM-F-3-5-5-6G-AF-S-DX-VR-NIKKOR-ZOOM-LENS-SILENT-MOTOR-/321060131893?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item4ac0acd435

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-DX-Zoom-Nikkor-18-55mm-F-3-5-5-6-VR-G-AF-S-Lens-/121053976535?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item1c2f6117d7

yup worth talking to nikon... but my bet is it's cheaper to goto http://www.keh.com and get a new (used) one...

or use this as a reason to upgrade... even an off brand 17-50mm f2.8 is a HUGE step up from that 18-55 kit lens

Thanks for the insight. This is the lens that came with the camera "kit". I'll call Nikon but also look into the other suggestions. Thanks!

In reply to donalson:

Completely agree, but even the aftermarket 17-50mm/2.8s are going to be substantially more expensive and substantially bigger (if that is a concern for dyintorace).

Here's a relevant thread:

http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WnoY?start=10

There is some debate as to whether or not one should attempt to DIY such a repair, but I don't see the harm in it.

1988RedT2 wrote: Here's a relevant thread: http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00WnoY?start=10 There is some debate as to whether or not one should attempt to DIY such a repair, but I don't see the harm in it.

Excellent! Being of the GRM mindset, my first thought was "I can just replace that part, right?" I'll do some more research and call Nikon!

Mine just randomly locked up one day, no more zoom. I took the opportunity to upgrade and bought a refurbished 18-55 with Image Stabilization.

If this is your only lens, maybe consider something with a little more range.

I have an 18-55 that had something inside break so it doesn't hold focus. If you try to focus on something where the camera is pointed down, the focus ring falls forward. Weird.

I've got 3 other lens that I use more anyway.

PHeller wrote: I have an 18-55 that had something inside break so it doesn't hold focus. If you try to focus on something where the camera is pointed down, the focus ring falls forward. Weird. I've got 3 other lens that I use more anyway.

Want to sell it to me cheap? I could scavenge the part I need from it!