Crop body, funds running low... and desperately need a wide-angle

[Shacklebolt]

I shoot on a pretty nice Nikon crop body, have a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8, 50 1.4... and the wide angle I'm stuck with is a 6 year-old 18-135 3.5-5.6

I mean, this is a little ridiculous -- namely how lazy I've been about finding a good "middle ground" between a $2,000 Nikkor and a basically-worthless kit lens. I consider myself to be, at the very least, a decent semi-pro (or at least, I get paid like I am, for some reason), and I've just taken to renting a wide angle (and/or body) when I need it. But that's just not realistic all the time. And 18 mm on a crop body just ain't gonna cut it in this full frame world.

Yes, yes, I'll save up, and I'll also do some independent research (Google is my friend). But I'd also really like some input as to a good, cheap, wide-angle lens for Nikon cameras. Can be prime, can be off-brand, whatever you think is good. Just not a fisheye. And, preferably, $500 or less.

[ijohn.8.80]

I'll suggest going for the Tokina 11-16mm if you can get one for your price. I can't comment on Nikon specific lenses, I'm a Canon user.

[MCH-1138]

I have heard good things about the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. If your camera body has a built-in AF motor, you can go with the original version. If you don't have a built-in AF motor, you'll need the DX-II.

Both versions are over $500 new, but you may be able to find them used for less.

(Edit: ijohn.8.80 beat me to it.)

[Policar]

Another vote for the Tokina. Its flares are kind of gnarly so depending on your style you might want to get the version two, which has less gnarly flares.

It's sharp with very little distortion, but there's some CA in the corners, too. The 10-24m Nikon also looks nice, but is more expensive.

[MCH-1138]

Another option is the Tokina 12-24mm f/4. It is a little less expensive than the 11-16mm ($400-450 new (USD), depending on whether you get the I or II).

Maybe not quite as well-regarded as the 11-16mm, but I have read good things about it, as well.

[AlaskaMoose]

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. I haven't had any trouble with flare, but I never shoot against the light (sun, and other strong lights). I use this lens for photographing the Auroras, but these never cause lens flare with any lens.

[Mike in Kansas]

I've used a Sigma 10-20 on my D300 for quite a few years and have enjoyed its performance.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-10-20mm-4-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007U00XK

[alphaod]

You could perhaps rent a lens or borrow one from a friend? I often lend my lenses to friends).

[tgara]

Another vote for Tokina. I used a 12-24 f4 with my Canon 40D and 7D, and the images it produced were stunning.