[mikesmigaj]

I've been using the Nikon 12-24mm for about 2 years on my D50, and yes it was expensive, but it was well worth it! I don't look at my pictures under a microscope. I don't notice a slight softness at the corners or straightnes of the lines. Wide angle is FUN! It has its problems, like all lenses have. Example: A fixed(prime) lens is fixed. I have to do the zooming in by walking this way or that way. Every lens that is in my backpack has its strengths and weakness. All I have is Nikon(Nikkor) lenses. When I go to the mall and have lunch, I usually go to the Ritz camera store. Sometimes I'll have a hands-on session with the lens on a comporable Nikon camera. This will tell me what the lens is like. And don't be affraid to ask a LOT of questions! Read all you want about the object. But do some research, then try it out yourself. If you're at a remote location, get with a camera club and ask and maybe ask to borrow the lens right there in front of them and try it out. When these items in question cost many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it's worth it!