I dropped my AF-S DX NIKKOR G VR 18-55mm lens. Is it worth it to get it repaired?

When I attach the lens to my camera, it is open/not attached on the one side. The lens only focuses when zoomed in, and even then only focuses the one side of the image. When I shake it gently, I can hear a rattling, and when it's autofocusing it makes a crunching noise.

Should I just buy a new lens, or would it be worth it/cheaper to get it repaired?

I suggest you buy a new lens. The kit lens 18-55mm is not built to extreme usage. And I think repairing it would not be worth it. I'm not sure how much the cost to get it repaired.

All you can do is get an estimate.

If it costs more than 3/4 the cost of a new lens, just buy a new one ($145)

Or you can buy the new 18-55 mm VR lens, $240

An inexpensive lens like your 18-55mm zoom isn't worth repairing. Check the Used Dept. At B&H for a replacement.http://www.bhphotovideo.com

You might want to consider an upgrade such as the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC (OS) HSM if you can spare about $569.00. This lens by Sigma is Optically Stabilized and will auto focus on your camera.

By comparison, the Nikon AF-S DX 17-55mm f2.8 ED-IF is $1, 399.00 and does NOT have VR.

Junk it.

Hunt for a secondhand but almost new kit lens at eBay. Lots of people are disposing it right away thinking it's not a good lens. You may find one that's really cheap. I got one for my son's old D50 for just $75. Brand new is around $200.

You can buy a refurbished 18-55mm for $90.

http://robertscamera.com/refurbished/lenses/af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6g-ed-ii-refurbished.html

You can't get it repaired for $90, and refurbished is a whole lot better than broken.

And while you are at it, by this refurbished 55-200mm VR telephoto lens ($115) when you order your replacement.

http://robertscamera.com/refurbished/lenses/af-s-dx-vr-zoom-nikkor-55-200mm-f-4-5-6g-if-ed-refurbished.html

Combined they would cost about the same as repairing your lens.

And if money is not a concern, I agree with Edwin on the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. I actually own this lens - and in my view - better than the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8. I use it on my D7100 as this camera needs high-quality lenses if you expect to get everything out of it.

The Sigma is very sharp, even when used wide open. The build quality is also top notch. There was a time when I never recommended Sigma, but as of late, they have been producing some very good lenses, and the DxOMark ratings are off the charts. They are currently beating both Canon and Nikon in producing premium cropped sensor lenses.

I would still be careful about buying Sigma as they also produce some duds, but I have 2 Sigma lenses now; the 8-16mm f/4.5~5.6 and the 17-50mm f/2.8, and I highly recommend both of them.