This may be a silly question... but where do YOU send your cameras and lenses to be serviced? I've sent my cameras to the Canon factory a few times for cleaning and servicing whenever I've had issues... but can you send lenses as well?

Or is there a better option? A place in town? Your thoughts!

Nam,

I FEEL YOUR PAIN. Don't you wish there was a local guy that was an authorized Canon Professional. Would make the busy life simple. Who has the time to send their equipment up to Jersey? I just UPS'd four lenses and my Mark IIn body today. I have decided just to take my 5D and my 24 - 70 to Japan while everything else is being cleaned.

You really have to be wise with sending the equipment in. Timing is everything. Makes me nervous too I have a wedding of magnitude as soon as I get back.

I broke my flash and took it to be sent off to Canon, they quoted me $150 and 8 week turn around.... I said "no thanks" and took it to this little camera fix it shop in town that's been in business 30 years and they had it done the next day for $40.

I would look around and local places and check out the BBB on them, you might have been luck than sending it off to "Uncle Canon"

Charles I didn't know you're going to Japan! Wow! Yeah... I'm thinking I have to send my cameras and lenses in... but maybe I'll do half at a time. That, or I'll just rent equipment in the meantime.

Kelly, where did you send your flash? And what exactly is the 'BBB'? Sorry, but I don't know a lot of short hand or slang!

You can join Canon Professional Services- still requires mailing gear off, however, turnaround on pro rush service is three business days from your approval of the repair cost. I just had two of my lenses repaired that way and they were back on time. There are some equipment requirements and a short to-do list to obtain membership, but well worth it, in my opinion. Email cpsmember@cusa.canon.com for an application. It's FREE to join with a 20% discount on repairs as well as an equipment loan program.