Arthur Reyes , Jul 21, 2008; 02:08 p.m.
Hi Folks.
So the other day I went to go use my 20-35 3.5/4.5 and unfortunately it decided that it would stop working (using
Elan IIe). Upon pressing the shutter release to focus, the lens would not auto-focus. Using manual focus, the
focusing ring turns freely, but the distance indicators in the lens do not move in response to focusing. However, it will
zoom between 20-35mm. Needless to say, I'm very sad. I bought this lens back in 2000 and I've been very pleased
with this lens. In fact this lens is one of the reasons why I'm still holding out for a cheaper full frame DSLR. Anyways,
I haven't yet looked into getting the lens repaired. I wasn't sure if getting it repaired would be cost prohibitive. So I
went on Canon's website as well as B&H to see how much a new lens would cost and that lens is no longer listed.
Does anyone know if this lens has been discontinued? If so I'll be very bummed. It looks like the next closest lens
would be the 17-40L. While it would be nice to have an L lens in my lineup, the lens is too pricey to afford now. Has
anyone experienced this kind of malfunction with this lens? Any idea on the cost to repair it? Thanks!
Bob Atkins 
, Jul 21, 2008; 02:17 p.m.
Mine's still doing fine. As far as I know it's still a current lens. Try a different vendor. Adorama still list it as in stock, in both US and Grey versions.
I suspect it will be cheaper to fix it than buy a new one.
Puppy Face , Jul 21, 2008; 02:23 p.m.
Last time I checked, the minimum repair charge was $175, and they seem to charge that amount for just about everything
except major repairs, e.g., CMOS replacement.
Jason Hall 
, Jul 21, 2008; 02:25 p.m.
The lens first came out in 1993 so it was around for a while, It is not listed on the canon site as a current lens. I guess no need for it with the 16-35 f2.8L and 17-40 f4L around. So yes it seems to be discontinued but I can not see when on the canon sites. To bad.
Sorry
Jason
Marc Bergman , Jul 21, 2008; 02:44 p.m.
Is it possible for you to try the lens on another camera?
I did see a new one on KEH's site.
Bob Atkins , Jul 21, 2008; 02:45 p.m.
It's still listed as current on the Canon UK site:
(link)
It's also still listed in the Canon USA "EOS System" catalog (print) from fall 2007.
I suspect that its omission from the Canon USA website might be an error and not an indication that it's discontinued. They've made enough errors in the past to make this not unlikely!
Greg Lynch , Jul 21, 2008; 02:47 p.m.
It has definitely been discontinued.
Andrew Robertson , Jul 21, 2008; 03:08 p.m.
Bob Atkins , Jul 21, 2008; 03:17 p.m.
"It has definitely been discontinued."
And since it's widely available and listed on the Canon UK website, Canon Canada website, Canon Australia website (and probably others which I haven't checked), what's your reason for thinking its discontinued?
Arief Novisto , Jul 21, 2008; 03:23 p.m.
