Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor review

For the opportunity Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor Lens Review AI-S many thanks to the store http://fotika.com.ua/

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor Review

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor review from Radozhiva.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S Is a legendary manual fast telephoto prime lens with outstanding picture quality. But - all in order.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor view from different angles. Aperture view

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor view from different angles. Aperture view

TTX Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S:

  • Focal length: 180 mm
  • Diaphragm: F / 2.8-f / 32.0
  • Number of aperture blades: 9 pieces
  • The weight: 800g
  • Front Filter Diameter: 72mm
  • Optical design: 5 elements in 5 groups, including one ED element
  • Bayonet mount: Nikon f

The lens has a rather long list of its ancestors and a descendant, which can be found here. By the way, I met somewhere that all 180mm Nikon fixes are modified Ernostar circuits, well, and Ernostar is nothing more than a modified Sonnar circuit. They say that modern autofocus versions of the lens are somewhat worse than the good old Ai-s.

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor view of the modern Central Control Hall

Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor view of the modern Central Control Hall

History

  1. Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-H 1: 2.5 f = 18cm (Nikon RF, aka Nikon S, and M39 version), from about 1953. It could also be used on SLR cameras using an 'N->F' adapter. It has several sub-versions with minor differences regarding distance marks and serial number.
  2. Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-HC 1:2.5 f=18cm, since about 1955. The same optical design. After this model, Nikon had a long pause of almost 20 years to release a further line of similar lenses.
  3. Only in 1970 was the first version of the '180 / 2.8' class lens for SLR cameras introduced - Nikkor-P Auto 1: 2.8 f = 180mm Nippon Kogaku Japanbased on 5 lenses in 4 groups. The 'P' stands for 'Penta' - that is, 5 lenses in the optical design. Produced before 1971, very few of these lenses were produced.
  4. In 1971 the name was updated - Nikon Nikkor-P Auto 1: 2.8 f = 180mm, but in fact it was exactly the same 'Nikkor-P' with 5 elements in 4 groups. Produced through 1974. Overview here.
  5. In 1975, the lens received special enlightenment and became known as Nikon Nikkor-PC Auto 1: 2.8 f = 180mm ('C' stands for 'Coating'), has the same optical design, and was produced until 1977.
  6. In 1977 came the classic AI version - Nikon Nikkor 1: 2.8 180mm (AI), which was produced until 1981. The same optical scheme was used. There are two sub-versions that are distinguished by a comfortable grip ring at the front of the hood.
  7. And in 1981, the legendary Nikon Nikkor ED 1: 2.8 180mm (AI-S). This lens has already begun to use the updated optical scheme with 5 elements in 5 groups, 1 element was made ED glass. This version was produced for a very long period along with autofocus options. It is believed that this version of the 180s was most successful at all times. Produced until 2005. My review of this model can be found here.
  8. The first autofocus 1986 / 180 was released in 2.8 -  Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor (IF MKI), which, due to a large number of complaints from photographers, was very quickly replaced by the second version. Complaints related to the focus ring and the general depravity of the design compared to the old manual options. The optical scheme has already begun to use 8 elements in 6 groups. Easily distinguished by the plastic focus ring and sleek body.
  9. In 1987, the lens was updated to version Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor (IF MKII) and was produced until 1987. The optical design is unchanged. Easily identified by the rubberized focus ring and sleek body.
  10. In 1987, the lens finally acquired a modern look. The version is called Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED AF Nikkor (IF MKIII), was produced until 1995. The optical design is unchanged. It is easy to distinguish by the rough coating of the case. Review here.
  11. Latest version got letter 'D' in its name and has been produced from 1994 to the present day -  Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8D ED AF Nikkor (IF MKIV). The optical design is unchanged. Easily identified by the 'D' in the lens name. An overview can be found here.

A visual view of autofocus lens options can be found in the 'Portrait lens for Nikon cameras'.

If we group all the lenses according to optical schemes, then we can distinguish 4 groups:

  • rangefinder 180 / 2.5 with optical scheme 6/4 (1953-1963)
  • with optical scheme 5/4 (1970-1981)
  • with optical scheme 5/5 (1981-2005)
  • with optical scheme 8/6 (1986-2018)

Full frame

The lens is suitable for use on APS Nikon FX full-frame cameras. On crop APS-C Nikon DX 1,5X EGF will match 270mm, which turns Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S in an excellent telephoto.

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Focusing

The focusing of the lens is manual only. The focusing ring is very large and comfortable. Focusing is very smooth. This lens has true oil focusing. The focus ring rotates exactly 180 degrees. When focusing, the front lens does not rotate, only the lens trunk is extended by 3-4 centimeters. You can use any filter without any problems. When focusing, the entire lens unit moves. The lens has a slight overshoot beyond infinity, which may be useful in astrophotography.

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Lens hood

The lens has a built-in telescopic metal hood, which is always on the lens and which must not be forgotten.

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Diaphragm

The lens has a 9-blade aperture, which helps to form fairly even circles in the field of sharpness. For 180mm, the maximum aperture value of F / 2.8 can greatly blur the front and background. The lens is great for portraiture, however, the sharpness of the lens for a portrait can only serve as a hindrance. Aperture control is carried out only using the aperture ring on the lens. This will allow you to easily use the lens on other systems (not on Nikon cameras).

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo. Close-up

Nikon 180mm F2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo. Close-up

How to use the Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor manual lens AI-S find in the pro section old AI-S lenses. I used Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor without any problems AI-S on cameras Nikon D200, D80, D40true to junior cameras you need to monitor the exposure yourself.

Nikon 180 mm F 2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Nikon 180 mm F 2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Image quality

With Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor you can forget about chromatic aberration, distortion, to whom and enjoy the wonderful sharpness already with F / 2.8 at any focusing distance. The color rendering is excellent. The bokeh is pleasant, even, although ghosting of lines is sometimes found. Good quality image allows you to get ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element in the design of the lens. I can judge the image quality only on the crop camera, on the crop there is no vignetting on any apertures.

Nikon 180 2.8 ED - sample photo

Nikon 180 2.8 ED - sample photo

Sample Photos

All photos were taken on Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S and camera Nikon D200... Reduced size to 1613 x 1080 pixels, data printed from EXIF. Photos without processing.

A few more photos taken with the Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S (including on closed apertures)

Personal impressions

I really liked the lens. A very convenient focus ring, a sharp image across the entire field of the frame at F / 2.8 and a huge focal length allow you to take very nice photos. The lens should appeal to fans blur background and foreground... I believe that this old Nikon 180mm f / 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S will easily bypass modern super zooms like the Nikon 70-200mm f / 2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor in image quality. Perhaps the only drawback of the lens is a decent weight, but it can serve as a good service when handheld photography.

Nikon 180mm F 2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Nikon 180mm F 2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

For publicity: many interesting manual optics can be found on the pages of the online store http://fotika.com.ua/

Nikon 180mm F 2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Nikon 180mm F 2.8 ED Nikkor sample photo

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions

Nikon 180mm F / 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S is truly an amazing fix telephoto. Excellent sharpness, good design and pleasant ergonomics captivate the lens.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Arkady Shapoval

 

 

Comments: 89, on the topic: Review Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor

  • Crelian

    I think, if you also stick Lushnikov’s dandelion on it, the lens will give only minutes of happiness! And thanks for the review of such an interesting glass! Still, before they knew how to make high-quality optics, and not only in the USSR.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      You don’t need a dandelion for a number of cameras, as the AI-S lens.

    • Michael

      .... which I did, with the “dandelion” there was a sound when it got into focus (sometimes it’s a little stressful to watch the blinking LED), and in general the glass is just abalde, the only thing that this lens really lacks, well, at least a “screwdriver” , not to mention the motor, but it probably would have been a completely different glass and already for different money

  • Deimos

    Yes, very good review. Thanks =)

  • Egor

    Great view and lens. Very decent quality photos and really sharpness at a height even in the open. Thank!

  • igorsam

    Thanks for the review
    Are you planning a review of Nikkor AF VR 80-400 ED 1: 4,5-5.6D?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      What they will give me is planned to be tested)

  • igorsam

    I have such a glass. I would give it to you with pleasure. The question is how to convey it. We are in different cities

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If in another city, then either we are to you or you are to us)

  • Ivan

    Photos are impressive. The quality is excellent.
    Tell me, if you compare this lens with Jupiter 21-A
    in your opinion, how much is Nikon superior to Jupiter in picture quality.
    In proportion to its price, or is Jupiter still not much behind?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Jupiter loses a lot.

  • Alexey

    And how much such glass can cost. And how easy is it to find?

  • igorsam

    Will you kindly ask in Lviv. I will be glad to meet you.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I will. Thank)

  • Slavik

    Which lens will give the best picture of a used Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S or the new MS Kaleinar-5n 100mm F2.8?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I wonder where you will find the new K-5H, if they are not released? And the lenses are completely different. I liked 180tk more.

  • Slavik

    I apologize not so put it. Not the new K-5N, but not used in the factory box. 180 even second-hand is much more expensive than K-5N.

  • Mihailo

    Arkady, thanks again for your help in choosing and technical issues. Thanks to you, I now have Nikor 180 mm 2,8 AI-S and Jupiter-37A and Mir-10A on my D300C carcass with a standard 50 1, / 4Zh and travel zoom 16-85. There are no sensations from the travel zoom so far from Mira-10a, with 50 1 / 4Zh, and so everything has been clear for a long time, not Karl Zeiss, but for that kind of money it’s the very thing, but with 180 and Jupiter. Focusing on a steady green turns faster on Jupiter, because of the difference in focal length? I'll try to put the link https://picasaweb.google.com/105174437206485522088/29201202 here is Jupiter and 180.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Jupiter is darker and shorter, which means the depth of field is larger, and getting into the zone of sharpness is easier. Thanks for the examples.

      • Mihailo

        Not at all, with great pleasure!

  • Margaret

    excellent review !!! Thanks you!

  • Oleg Yudin

    Good afternoon. Your advice is very necessary. I want to buy a Nikon 135mm f / 2.8 lens, but the coating on the front lens is worn out, the hood is a little dented, the rear lens is perfect. Will the wear of the enlightenment affect the quality of the photos? (here is a sample of this miracle, but not it http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/135f28.htm )

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It will affect, but how much - you need to look at it live.

  • Nicholas

    Hello. Thank you very much for the excellent articles. There was a question about buying a telephoto lens, more for nature and semi-hidden photography :) I would like to know the difference between Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S and 180mm f / 2.8D ED-IF AF NIKKOR is is there a big difference in the picture? There is no way to test ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I don’t have the opportunity to test the 180mm f / 2.8D ED-IF AF NIKKOR, but you can find reviews that the old version in the picture is better than the new one.

  • Nicholas

    It’s clear that autofocus is preferable, but if one is Van Gogh, and the second is someone else with autofocus, it’s another matter ..

  • Nicholas

    And didn’t you watch 80-200 2.8?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I haven’t watched yet.

  • i-hero-in.narod.ru

    In your opinion, it is better to purchase a descendant of this lens - Nikon 180mm f / 2.8D ED-IF AF Nikkor, or take a Nikon 80-400mm f / 4.5-5.6D ED VR AF Zoom-Nikkor zoom. The main purpose is convenient reporting. For myself, so far I have defined a line of fixes: 20 2.8 - 50 1.8 - 105 2.8 macro and 80-400. But this lens made me think ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      80-400 heavy, for reporting I would take an autofocus 180mm f / 2.8D

  • Ljubomir

    Good evening! Dyakoy for a good review!
    To declare such an asset, you can buy it.

  • Lyubmir

    Buyable asset, you will likely be more mothers for sale
    Dodge
    Shlm_slonik@ukr.net

  • Dmitry

    Hello, please tell me what diameter the filter is suitable for this Nikon 180mm f / 2.8D ED-IF nikkor TV

    • Slonik

      Manual maє rіzbu 72mm .. the one that’s in review .. AF, like 72mm

  • Michael

    The lens is truly outstanding. I have version 180 2.8 Ai without ED I don’t see the difference in my photos and presented here, it also draws in a unique way with excellent sharpness.
    If anyone is interested, I can sell it at an adequate price. Write: major-zed@mail.ru

  • Sergei

    I sell this lens. The condition is excellent, there are small traces of use on the case, glass and mechanics ideally. retail85@mail.ru

  • Ruslan

    Arkady, good afternoon! Please tell me which lens is better than Nikon 180mm 1: 2.8 ED Nikkor AI-S or LEICA 180mm f / 2.8 ELMARIT-R

    • Basil

      a watering can would be better.

  • Ayusha

    Hello, do not tell me for the D 710 camera which lens to choose for beautiful photos, with beautiful bokeh? Thanks in advance

    • Basil

      nikkor 17-55 2.8, nikkor 35 1.8g, nikkor 50 1.8g.

  • Alexey

    I will buy one in Kiev
    contact: https://vk.com/id245930290

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