First off, that lens is made specifically for DX (i.e. crop-sensor) cameras like the D80, so that's no problem.

Secondly, fisheyes are not cheap for lenses with limited use. Yes, you could use it as an ultrawide angle lens and do some corrections with software, but I don't think it would be very easy to compose with such a distorted image.

Thirdly, if you have money to blow and are in a creative rut, then a fisheye might do the trick--I'm sure Ben would tell you his fisheye sees limited use, but he loves it. So, if you love it, then who cares?

Fourthly, consider an UWA lens like the sigma 10-20 (~$500 US) or the Nikon 12-24 (~$900)--they give you fun distortion at the wide end (see my avatar), but can also be used like regular lenses for more serious work. I use my 10-20 and 17-55 almost exclusively, only pulling out a longer lens for certain applications.

The problem with fisheyes is that people use them for everything, in all the wrong situations, so they have kind of a bad rap. Just like kit lenses have a bad rap b/c they are generally used by beginning photographers.... I'm sure Ben will chime in with more specific comments about fisheyes, but when used properly, they can create some amazing fun and serious photos (see Ben's sailing photos, if you haven't already).

Oh, and Sigma just released their version of a DX fisheye, which is also 10.5mm, I believe.... I don't know the price, but it may be a cheaper alternative.

Originally Posted by Markitos

I'm sure Ben would tell you his fisheye sees limited use, but he loves it.

Yeah, I own the canon 15mm FE and have a FF camera so it's works as a 15mm... The 10.5mm FE you're looking at would be used on your 1.5 cropped Nikon body, so it would be effectively a 15.75mm lens. Not quite as wide as what I have, but still crazy wide. I've wanted a FE forever, and finally picked one up this past year and love it. I try not to overuse it, but I love the effect so it does get a lot of use. I'm more than happy with it's purchase and I won't be selling it anytime soon...

Originally Posted by moduleum

I am aware of the bad rap that they have, but hope to avoid shooting "everything" with it. I do need something a little wider than an 18 for shooting wide stuff, but have yet to decide on my next purchase.

First, check out online galleries for both UWA zooms that aren't fisheyes and also fisheye shots. There is a huge difference in the effect. Decide which you want and go with that. If you just want wider, then a FE probably isn't the answer as it will distort everything like crazy. But if you like that effect, it's a lot of fun to play with.

Some other options (maybe the store can order these for you? Can you order from B&H?):
tokina 10-17mm FE zoom (gives you the 10mm end, but also zooms in)
sigma 10mm fish eye (might be less expensive than the nikon version)
sigma 10-20mm UWA zoom (not a fisheye, but very wide and keeps things straight for the most part)
nikon 12-24mm (not as wide, but also not a fisheye)

Good Luck!
Ben

Welcome! Nice first post.