I only bought this lens myself a couple of months ago, and it was only released by Canon last year, but rumours are cirulating that the popular 17-40mm f/4 L lens has been discontinued ahead of the Photokina show. Canon USA are apparently saying this via their 800 consumer information number, and the lens has been taken off the Canon USA website (although it is still on the German and Japanese sites.

“This is quite surprising if true. I can only guess it might be a prelude to a similar lens to be announce at Photokina at the end of the month. It was only introduced in May of 2003 and so it it really has been discontinued, it must set some sort of record as the shortest lived “L” series lens, just 16 months.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Canon EOS Rumours