Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005LEOI
• Item model number: B00005LEOI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Nikkor 35mm Lenses Behind every lens is a history of Nikon quality and innovation that has consistently set new standards of excellence. Nikon s most remarkable innovation may be its consistent use of the Nikon F lens mount which makes your camera compatible with literally hundreds of Nikkor lenses. Even when you re using the most powerful Nikkor super-telephoto lens, your pictures will be clear and sharp, with exellent color rendition. That s because many Nikkor telephoto and super-telephoto lenses are made with ED glass, a Nikon innovation that virtually eliminates the color fringing common with regular lens glass in longer focal lengths. Ideal for sports, action or news photography. Features Nikon Internal Focusing technology - lenses inside the barrel adjust, without requiring an extension of the barrel. Autofocus capability. Nikon ED glass assures superb sharpness and image quality. Accepts 72mm filters. Built-in lens hood. Wt. 26.5 oz. Dim. 3.1 x 5.7 .Optional accessories: 62mm screw-in filters, AF-S Teleconverters TC-14E II/17E II/20E II (Auto focus operation is not possible. VR and AE functions are available.) Item Specifications: Product Description: Nikon Nikkor telephoto lens - 180 mm Lens System: Telephoto lens Mounting Type: Nikon F Lens Aperture: F/2.8 Focal Length: 180 mm Min Focus Range: 5 ft Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual Lens Construction: 6 group(s) / 8 element(s) Special Functions: Tele Filter Size: 72 mm Length: 6 in Weight: 27.1 oz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sleeper in the Nikon line, August 11, 2009

By 

Carl E. Feather "cfeather" (KINGSVILLE, OH USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This lens is legendary, but due to its sloooooooow focusing, doesn't have much value to sports shooters these days. It is a great lens for landscapes and portraits on FX and could make up for any issues with the 70-200 on FX, which frankly, I feel are way overblown. At any rate, if you need a fast medium tele and can't afford the 70-200, this is worth a look. No VR and no AFS make it very antiquated, however. The sharpness and bokeh are superb, however. Look for a used one.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Legendary Nikon Glass, August 30, 2010

By 

Preston S. Page "Preston Page" (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

Much has been written about this amazing lens, tracing its lineage back to the Zeiss Tessar 180mm "Olympia" formula used by Leni Reifenstahl to film "Triumph of the Will." It is fast, ultra-sharp, compact and solid. I've been using it with a Nikon D700 and my only regret is that I waited so long to buy one. Images are smooth and buttery and bokeh just beautiful.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid build, excellent optics, great for certain sports/portraits, May 22, 2010

By 

C. Kevit (VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I purchased the 'non-D' version of this lens, used. It is clear my copy was made some time ago and well used, but it feels very tight and sturdy. I love Nikkor build quality. The other reviews are accurate in that this lens' strength is its optics- very sharp, even wide open, with great bokeh. These attributes are nice when isolating the subject for strong portraits. One thing to keep in mind is that your working distance for portraits will be pretty far; maybe 10-20 feet, depending on sensor crop and compositional choices. I would say with my D300 I typically shoot headshots about about 15 feet- great for outdoor stuff, but maybe harder to manage in the studio. I find it very comfortable to shoot with, especially with the vertical grip attached.

One could also use this guy for certain sports like tennis, volleyball, track, etc. I would not try to use it for soccer or basketball where you have a more dynamic selection of subjects. As noted before, the autofocus is a bit slow; probably slower than my 24mm AF-D or 50mm AF-D. However, I will note that it varies noticeably depending on the body used. My D50 turns it slower than my D300, and my F100 actually focuses very quickly. I have read that Nikon film cameras have very strong AF motors, and now I see the difference.

As always, a good approach is to try to find a used one at your local shop and try it out!