Nikon 18-200 AF VR Focus Problem

[JeanieW]

I am not a happy bunny! My 18-200 AF VR lens has a focusing problem.
It won't lock on and just searches and grinds. I have tried AF-S, C & A but it's not that. I have tried another AF lens which seems fine.
Is there anything else to try before I send it for repair?
Anyone had the same problem and have a rough idea of repair costs and how long these things take? I hate the idea of being without it for any length of time.

 

[cowasaki]

What are the switches on the side selected as? Is it dark? Do you have access to another Nikon to try it on?

 

[JeanieW]

Thanks for your reply. The switches are on M/A, the VR is on and its set to normal - but then its always on these settings unless I'm using the tripod. It's not dark and although I don't have another DSLR I have a sigma 50mm 1:2.8 DG Macro and a Nikkor AF70 - 2.10 1:4 which both seem to be autofocusing on my D80 without problem.

 

[Defiance]

Can you give us some more information on the fault please. What it is struggling to focus on, at what focal lengths is it happening, and how far away are the subjects ? ALso is it doing it with every shot or only in selected circumstances ? What camera is it used with too ?

 

[Jim B]

I've had the exact same fault occur with my 18-55, 55-200 and 18-70 AF-S lenses. I haven't bothered getting any of them fixed because I just bought better glass instead. I bought the 18-70 (second hand) to replace the broken 18-55 then ironically the same fault developed! Strangely enough I bought another 18-70 to replace the broken one because they are great lenses for the money and very sharp, but I'm just waiting for the same thing to happen... :bonk:

As I mostly shoot at rallies, I think dust from a few especially dusty events has got into the lenses and knackered the AF-S motor. I started a thread on here and was told it was around £100 minimum to get the AF-S motor replaced. Not really cost effective on the cheapo kit lenses (although I might eventually send the broken 18-70 off for a quote). However as your 18-200 is worth considerably more I think it might be worth it for that, certainly worth getting a quote if nothing else.: shrug:

 

[JeanieW]

Can you give us some more information on the fault please. What it is struggling to focus on, at what focal lengths is it happening, and how far away are the subjects ? ALso is it doing it with every shot or only in selected circumstances ? What camera is it used with too ?

It won't focus on anything at any length. When I half press the button down on any subject the lens just keeps moving in and out trying to focus and then just comes to rest out of focus. I've been using this lens for a couple of years so know it pretty well so now I'm thinking I'll just have to bite the bullet and get a repair quote.