Well I am switching to Sony because I can get the A850 plus the Zeiss 135mm both for under $1800 with an employee discount, Nikon does not offer as low a discount so it makes more sense to go with Sony for what I am getting for the money. From the image tests I have seen the Minolta 17-35 D is very close in performance to even the Zeiss 16-35. So in that regard even if I go for a cheaper wide angle it seems to not make a huge difference.
I am currently looking to spend a low amount, say $300 or less on a wide for now, and see how it does for me. And eventually if I save up the money and find that I could get another lens that would be better I can get it then.
I have a feeling that, for the money, I will get the 17-35 Tamron or Minolta, or Minolta 20 or 24mm 2.8s, just simply whichever I can come across first really.
