I think my lens is broken

[Not_Your_1993_Steppin_Stone]

Hey all, so I've had my Canon Rebel since last June.
Now I have 2 different lenses, one is 18-55mm and the other is a 55-250.
I use the 18-55mm more than the other.

Well my mom doesn't like me walking around with my Canon camera bag since she says it's not safe, as I'm more likely to get jumped/robbed..
So now, uhm, I think my lens is broken.
I would have to put it in my bag with the rest of my things and I can't have it on top of everything because it's more likely to fall out my purse or get snatched up easily, so I usually place it on top of a book or scarf and then put my wallet, water bottle etc around it. But as everyone knows it'll get jumbled around and now well...
The auto focus doesn't work on it..
I have to many turn the dial instead of just a half press on the shutter button..

After I realized what happened I started crying, I don't know what to do, my mom says it's my fault and I have to buy a new one if I want a new one. I'm just wondering if there is any way I could get it fixed? Or fix it myself? Or is it better to juts get a new lens?

I live near NYC so I can go to B&H.
I have a T1i if that means anything..

Please help!

[jonwoad]

Might be obvious but have you tried the AF/MF switch?

I know how you feel as the AF on my Sigma 100-300 doesn't work any more

[Not_Your_1993_Steppin_Stone]

Originally Posted by jonwoad

Might be obvious but have you tried the AF/MF switch?

I know how you feel as the AF on my Sigma 100-300 doesn't work any more

can i give you like the biggest cyber hug, ever?
I literally forgot about the af/mf switch..
Proves just how tired I was last night.. super late night >___<

[jonwoad]

Cyber-hug accepted Some times the simple things are overlooked when panic sets in!

[inkista]

One more note. You could get a camera bag insert to stuff into your backpack, so your camera will still have some padding/protection. I used to live a little more dangerously and used a neoprene camera cover when I had to throw my camera into a backpack.

You may have to use the backpack, but that doesn't mean you can't still protect your gear.

[Preeb]

Lowe Pro also makes a whole line of padded cases for lenses and bodies. I use a couple of those for my EF-S lenses which don't come with a pouch. I carry my gear in a non camera backpack, so I like having the added protection.