Need a wide-angle lens for my Nikon D40X

[Jestev]

so torn right now!
the kit lens is cheap and slow.

the sigma 18-50 HSM is f/2.8 throughout!

Not sure what to do, but thank you guys for suggestions. . .

If you can afford it, I see no reason to not get the Sigma.

 

[shivaswrath]

haha, VICTORY OF PATIENCE IS MINE!!

MELVILLE, N.Y. (November 19, 2007) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens that offers Nikon’s proprietary Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to help consumers snap sharper photos than ever before, even while shooting handheld. Compact and lightweight, this affordable lens is an optimum lens to use with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras and is the ideal focal length as a “first lens” to faithfully capture life’s day-to-day moments, or a welcome addition to a Nikon D-SLR photographer’s already-established lens assortment.
From family gatherings to sunny vacation beaches, the NIKKOR 18-55mm VR lens produces stunning results with vivid color and incredible sharpness. The 3x optical zoom offers users of Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras including the D40, D40x, D80 and new D300 with a versatile picture angle perspective ranging from wide angle for dramatic landscapes and interiors, to moderate telephoto that is ideal for flattering portraits.
Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the amazing benefit of Nikon’s VR technology, which enables photographers to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. Nikon’s VR system affords users the ability to take pictures at shutter speeds up to three stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image-degrading blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds.
Like all NIKKOR lenses, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens is engineered to exacting standards to meet the demanding needs of digital photography. This digitally optimized lens features hybrid aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration, while Nikon's Super Integrated Coating reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance so no moment is missed.
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens will be available beginning December 2007 at an estimated selling price of $199**.



Cheaper and more versatile option for me than the Sigma lenses I was looking at, stoked for the $199 kit lens with VR!