In case you have ever wondered what the inside of a Nikkor 18-35mm lens looks like, here it is in all its glory. Now you can spare yourself the pleasure of watching it crash to the bathroom floor, only to finish being decimated by the Nikon D1H and SB-28 Speedlight that came crashing down on top of it.

That’s what I get for cheating during yesterday’s self-portrait session. I was too lazy to go get my tripod, so I just perched the camera on a shelf in the bathroom. Not a good idea. It worked well for an unprecedented amount of time, but not for long enough.

The lens has already been broken in this same spot by a previous drop and is beyond repair this time. The flash is easy enough to fix — $20 for a new foot. And the camera, mercifully, is built like a tank. It’s fine.

This puts me in the market for a new wide angle, which I have been needing anyway since this one has had a lot of issues since the aforementioned drop. I’m looking at either the Nikkor 18-70 or the Sigma 17-35/2.8. I like the wider range on the 18-70, but the faster Sigma is compelling. Ultimately I’d like to stay below $350 (used obviously). Any thoughts or suggestions?

Music: Sway by The Perishers (lyrics) and Trouble Sleeping by The Perishers (lyrics) 

Favorite Pic: “Bridesmaids, Photographer, and Donkey” by Massimo and “Dog Act” by Susan at PitcherLady.

Words: “This Kid is Going to Kill it at Frat Parties” by Dooce.