Nikon 12-24mm vs Nikon 10-24mm?

I just bought Nikon D7100 and currently own 35mm f/1.8, 55-300mm, and 18-55mm lenses.
I would lilke to complete my set without breaking the bank for buying a wider focal lense.
I've been reading some reviews and suggestions online and saw this Nikon 10-24mm and Nikon 12-24. But I'm kinda confused with so much reviews and suggestions online to what to buy, weather the newest 10-24mm but flimsy made but shoots sharper images or the 12-24mm which is older version and shoots lighter images but well made compared to the other one.
I need to buy the final lense that I will be needing while I'm learning to be a professional photographer, and will last with me for a long time.

Please kindly help me for more suggestions and comparisons. I know I'm still a green apple in the photography business that's why I'm humbly asking for some suggestions so that I don't need to waste my money of buying lenses that I should not buy yet while learning more about photography.

How about the Sigma 10-20mm? That's a good lens, well made and cheaper then either of the Nikons. Another option is the Tokina 11-16mm ATX Pro, which has a fast f2.8 aperture throughout the range and is a cracking sharp lens and probably the best wide zoom on the market.

The 12-24 mm lens has an aperture of f/4 throughout the whole focal range.

The 10-24 mm has a variable lens aperture, f/3.5 at 10 mm and f/4.5 at 24 mm. Not a huge difference and the 10 mm will give you a wider view.

I don't know about the 12-24 shooting "lighter" images. If you are using your cameras light meter, there should be no difference.

Here are two shots taken with the 12-24 mm lens at 12 mm.html? Sort=3&o=8.html? Sort=3&o=45

The shot of the sail would have been better had I owned a 10-24 mm lens.

Really it is up to you which you buy.

Have you visited a proper camera shop and tried both lenses on your fine new D7100? Do that and I think you will know which is the best lens for you.