Best bang for the buck: Nikon wide angle?

[arcooke]

I've found myself needing a wide angle lens very often lately. I don't have any particular budget in mind, but I'd like to go for something that has a good middleground between quality and price. I don't need the best of the best, this is only a hobby and I'm still in my infancy as far as photography goes.

I'd probably be ok with a prime lens should one fall into the "best bang for the buck" category. I actually happen to prefer them, as they get me moving around a bit more.

I'm OK with any of the big brands. Suggestions?

 

[itf]

the two most popular options are:

sigma 10-20mm f4.5-5.6?
tokina 11-16 f/2.8

the sigma is on my wishlist because of the greater range of focal length.

 

[Geaux]

Sigma 10-20 is 479.
Tamron 10-24 (or is it 12-24) is 399 after 100 mail in debate.
Tokina 11-16 (everyones fav 3rd party wide is around 650-700.

All wide angles look soft in corners, you wont get a perfectly sharp all around shot with any wide angle. Personally, im going with the Sigma 10-20 soon.

 

[Sachphotography]

I got the 10-20 and you can get them used for around 350.

The next best option would be the Tokina 12-24

It really depends on the camera you are using. DX is fine for Tokina but not FX
If you have the motor built in you can get the non motorized 12-24 for 310ish

 

[sobolik]

Tokina 12-24 with out a doubt the best bang for the buck. I JUST LOVE MINE! In fact I did one wedding almost exclusively with this lens. Some 2500 shots. It is awesome.
Digital Wide Zooms