What are your thoughts on not being able to put a (front) filter on it? That was the deal breaker for me and I went 17-35/2.8
I figure for what I'm going to use it for and for how often I'm actually going to use it, it won't matter.
Superb lens, so yes. The sharpest wide I've ever used and extremely resistant to flare. It's one of the main reasons why I picked up a D700. This link should be entertaining (for Canon & Nikon shooters): http://www.16-9.net/lens_tests/ Doesn't really bother me. Since I went digital the only filter I still bother with is a polarizer. On a lens this wide, you wouldn't get even polarization anyway no matter what you do. That said if you needed CCs or NDs, there is no gel holder in the back which surprised me.
If you do pick it up, make sure to put it on your rental list and then let me know. I wouldn't mind playing with it for a morning.