Favorite wide lens in the $200-$300 range?

This can be CANON or NIKON/NIKKOR
(thanks for your time to answer the question)

The is really only one wide lens in that price range… The standard 18-55 mm lens.

The favorite wide lenses are the Nikkor EF-S 10-24 mm ($900) or Canon EF-S 10-22 mm ($860) or Tokina 12-24 mm ($550)

As you can see, your budget is a little off the mark

APS or Full Frame sensor?

If you are shooting FF then the 24mm f/2.8 is a good wide angle lens. Outstanding image quality. A little over your budget but worth it.

http://www.nikonusa.com/...F2.8D.html

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If you are using an APS sensor camera then you may want to stay with the 18-55mm. You can't afford anything better really.