Buyer beware: sticky zoom

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I was looking at a used Nikon AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D yesterday. I didn't have my camera with me, but it looked and focused okay on an film body, not that you can tell accurately just through the viewfinder.

It looked in fairly good condition, given its age. The only problem I found is that the zoom ring felt a bit stiff/sticky at the 17mm end—almost like it was going over a little bump, vaguely like a bayonet hood click.

Doing subsequent research, I find that the going rate for a used lens is nearly double the asking price, which started alarm bells ringing (and my northern appetite for a bargain in equal measures :lol: ).

So, I googled "sticky zoom" and (apart from a production flaw in the 24-70) the general explanation was "it's probably been dropped", and the general resolution was "an expensive repair".

Does anyone have any experience of these faults and/or repairs? Any ideas how much money we're talking, or indeed whether it's really worth the risk if it's been dropped?
 
Unless it's really really cheap best advice is probably to give it a miss. I have this lens and it is fantastic but they have a reputation for having squeaky AFS motors which can end up needing an expensive replacement.
 
Yes, I'm wondering if it might not be worth all the potential hassle. On the other hand, it might be a real bargain—something I never seem to get myself!
 
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Can't help directly with the lens, but was it a private seller or shop ? If its a shop are they offering any warranty and if so is the warranty worth it ?

Might be worth a quick call to Nikon in the morning to see what they say and maybe give you an idea of potential repair cost if needed - might help decide if its a bargain and worth a punt ???
 
It was a shop, selling on behalf of a customer, and they are offering 1 month's warranty.

Yes, a call to Nikon might be a good idea, but I'm guessing they might just say it depends on what's wrong with it, and they can't really say without looking.

I've asked the shop for the lowdown. They didn't seem to know yesterday, so I've asked for a follow-up.
 
Yammer said:
It was a shop, selling on behalf of a customer, and they are offering 1 month's warranty.

Yes, a call to Nikon might be a good idea, but I'm guessing they might just say it depends on what's wrong with it, and they can't really say without looking.

I've asked the shop for the lowdown. They didn't seem to know yesterday, so I've asked for a follow-up.
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I'd suspect/ would have thought they have some idea something's not right, otherwise I'd have thought they'd be selling at a higher price - surely they've questioned why the customer only wants x when going rate is xx ???
 
And most shops, or at least reputable dealers, would usually offer 3-6 months warranty, or even better 1 year on most used equipment.

I'd say avoid. The repair costs could be enormous if it needed work further down the line, possibly more than the cost saving you are making initially.
 
andyred said:
I'd suspect/ would have thought they have some idea something's not right, otherwise I'd have thought they'd be selling at a higher price - surely they've questioned why the customer only wants x when going rate is xx ???
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I think it's just a case of the guy who knows wasn't there at the time.
 
I had a focus motor replaced on a 28-70mm 2.8. It cost about £300.

Kev.
 
The 17-35 is a superb lens. My personal experience was that it was superior to the 16-35. Unfortunately in both cases I got rid of them as I don't like the wider focal lengths at all.

With regards to the zoom mechanism if it was just a case of squeeking AF I would be less concerned, however the stiff issue you mention could well be caused by a drop etc
 
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