Nikkor AI 180mm f/2.8

[Igor]

One of the "landmark" lenses, staying among the finest optics Nikon ever produced. I have four versions of 180/2.8, this one is the second (chronologically), pretty scratched and beat up, but still capable of great perfomance! Note, it's even not an ED lens! :)

A few quick test shots for those who MAY consider this oldie/goldie :) (which sells miserably cheap on ebay these days :( ).

S2 body, minimal P/P.
..........

[Magic]

Igor,

This is a lens that I have been considering for a while. It look like I will have to pick one up. Looks like it has very good contrast. I have many old lenses which are still as good as any modern lenses I have tested. How much better are new lenses anyway?

Magic

[Igor]

If you mean the 180/2.8 line, this one (AI) is slightly better than the oldest lens I have, Nikkor-P 180/2.8, which has un-coated glass (unlike later Nikkor -PC model). The later, ED and AF are even better, as expected :)

[NZDoug]

Everything seems big and bright and clear with this lens, or is it the shooter?
Nice, Igor.
Ive always lusted after one but dreaded the weight, and remained happy with my 80-200 2.8.
Is it a weird filter size?

:monalisa:

[Igor]

Thanks Doug. Standard 72mm filter thread.

[SiHing]

Hi Igor!

Great shots (but I'd say that it's really the shooter behind the camera... :))!

Just like with my 300/4 I have never been too happy with my (2) 180/2.8s, even the AFn 180/2.8 I recently bought doesn't live up to my (maybe too high) expectations... seems like I've really got bad luck when it comes to acquiring new glass... :rolleyes:

Looking forward to more samples from this lens!

Regards
Alex

[Igor]

Hi Alex, that's really bad luck, as 180/2.8 SHOULD be sharp.....
Here's a sample from my oldest, non-AI, Nikkor-P 180/2.8 lens, tested it today shooting in overcast (low-light) conditions.
f/4, D70 body.

[SiHing]

Hi Igor!

Thanks for the sample - amazing level of detail for such an old lens... both of my copies are nowhere near this old gem... :(

On the other hand I am very happy with my 200/4 pre-AI/AI lenses... :)

Regards
Alex

[Igor]

I agree, both great lenses, though 200/4 AI is too small and light for 200mm, too shaky :) I prefer heavy glass/metal "guns" :)

[SiHing]

It's like two for the price of one... a free upper body workout included... :D

[photoworks]

Ooppss Igor I have this lens jewell, I used it in daily basis for many years in my old film days with the F2 and F3 Nikons. Perfect in every situation, was the reference point in middle range teles.
Have to dig my E6 stuff to get some memories back :rolleyes:

By the way is this guy Igor junior in the strange canoe?

Billy

[Igor]

No, Billy, just some boy :)
WHich of 180/2.8 you have BTW?

[photoworks]

It's the AI model, I bought it new in 1985 with a Nikon FE2 body. I still have them both in almost perfect condition :)

Billy

[jknights]

Igor,

Those shots are very crisp and contrasty.
Very nice.
Seems like a very good alternative to my 70-300 f4-5.6G lens.

[AntonioTrivelin]

(I send private message to you, but how this topic is old i don´t know if you still here, so i post here to.)

Hi Igor, how are you ?

My name is Antonio and i am from Brazil, so sorry my english ok.

I saw your photos from a Nikkor 180mm 2.8, and my friend here in Brazil has one that i would like to buy.

I would like your opinion about this len. Is this the same len of yours ? :

This is the one that i would like buy
Nikkor 180mm 2.8 Ai MF
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2721/180mm28aimflo1.th.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/my.php?image=180mm28aimflo1.jpg)

I have a Nikon D70 and i have no financial conditions to buy new modern lenses. So i would like to know if this len is the same of yours, because yours is great.

Tks for the help

Antonio

[BARBARA LUKE]

I don't know a lot about lenens but your pics are sharp as out. :goldcup: .....
nice work Igor......Barbara

[AntonioTrivelin]

(I send private message to you, but how this topic is old i don´t know if you still here, so i post here to.)

Hi Igor, how are you ?

My name is Antonio and i am from Brazil, so sorry my english ok.

I saw your photos from a Nikkor 180mm 2.8, and my friend here in Brazil has one that i would like to buy.

I would like your opinion about this len. Is this the same len of yours ? :

This is the one that i would like buy
Nikkor 180mm 2.8 Ai MF
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/2721/180mm28aimflo1.th.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/my.php?image=180mm28aimflo1.jpg)

I have a Nikon D70 and i have no financial conditions to buy new modern lenses. So i would like to know if this len is the same of yours, because yours is great.

Tks for the help

Antonio


Up :help:

[Igor]

Hi Antonio,
sent you a private message.

[AntonioTrivelin]

Hi Antonio,
sent you a private message.

Thank you so much Igor !!!

Regards,

Antonio

[robinp]

Those flower shots are lovely Igor :goldcup: - a good reminder that light permitting a longer lens is often just right for flowers rather than the more obvious, shorter "macro" lens.

Cheers, Robin

[Igor]

Thanks Robin, you're right. I love shooting flowers with long lenses of 300mm and more. Different look.

[AntonioTrivelin]

Tks again Igor !!!

I bought the len (180mm 2.8 Ai MF) and i love it !!!

With D70:

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/9416/dsc7657b72dpibordaassinha0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now i will pretend buy (in the future) another ones (old and clear lens), because it is cheapper than new modern ones and have great quality images.

:righton: :righton:

Regards,

Antonio

[Igor]

Absolutely great photo Antonio!
And good decision, older lens are like old jewels :righton:

[AntonioTrivelin]

Absolutely great photo Antonio!
And good decision, older lens are like old jewels :righton:

Tks about the photo :D

And yes, i am sure about the len !!!

And now i want more :D

Please, put here some tips of great and cheap old lens to my D70 :D

One that i love is a 10,5mm but its is new modern and very expensive. Does exist some similiar of this but old with nice price ?

[Igor]

OK, these AIS glass should not disappoint you:

20/3.5
24/2.8
28/2
28/2.8
35/2
50/1.8
50/1.4
50/1.2
85/1.8
85/1.4
105/1.8
135/2
135/2.8
200/2
300/2.8
300/3.5
400/5.6

Need more options? ;)

[AntonioTrivelin]

Tks again Igor :D

Which teleconverter is good to use with this 180mm 2.8 Ai MF with my D70 ?

Of course, the cheap one. ;) :( :D

[Igor]

None is good. The only Nikon TC's that fit the 180/2.8 are TC-14A and TC-200/201. Both will make a mediocre optical performer out of your great lens.

If you need a great long lens invest $400 into a good used 400/5.6 AIS.
That's an incredibly sharp lens even wide open. Light and pretty compact too.

[AntonioTrivelin]

None is good. The only Nikon TC's that fit the 180/2.8 are TC-14A and TC-200/201. Both will make a mediocre optical performer out of your great lens.

If you need a great long lens invest $400 into a good used 400/5.6 AIS.
That's an incredibly sharp lens even wide open. Light and pretty compact too.

Ok tks a lot Igor.

I always help me a lot.

Best regards,

Antonio

[AntonioTrivelin]

Some of rock concert with the 180mm 2.8 Ai MF here in my city.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2456/dsc9471okmenorassinwk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/7591/dsc9475okmenorassinvw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Another ones:

http://actrivelin.multiply.com/photos/album/10

:righton:

[Igor]

WOW! All are superb captures!
Another proof autofocus is good but NOT essential :clap: :righton: