I finally succumbed :

I have been coveting an ultra wide for long. After sporadic research – i finally zeroed in on the Tokina 11-16.

What do you use an ultrawide for – usually you use it to make a very emphatic statement. It is not for shooting doggie pics (though you can do that too, if you don’t mind getting your lens so close to a slobbering mutt). What it does is make nearer objects seem nearer, and further off objects seem further away.  It usually helps compose and capture scenes that can punch through the clutter.

Word of caution – just because you have an ultrawide doesn’t automatically mean pictures that catch the eye – it simply means you have the tool to practice to get it right. (which is what i am going to do).

There are some great photographs in this flickr group, shot with the 11-16.