{"id":51265,"date":"2024-06-09T07:15:55","date_gmt":"2024-06-09T06:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?p=51265"},"modified":"2026-03-23T14:35:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:35:52","slug":"review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Introduction<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_50846\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50846\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50846\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title-768x448.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-50846\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 via adapter on Sony A7rII<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With the rise of the 80-200mm f\/2.8 zooms it seems the 180-200mm f\/2.8 primes fell out of fashion, as for more than 20 years no manufacturer bothered to design a new lens like this (not counting a few third party macro options). While Canon last updated their 200mm 2.8 in 1996, Nikon never updated the optical design of their Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 since 1986. Is this still a worthwhile lens today? Let&#8217;s find out in this review.&nbsp;<em><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54895\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54895\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54895\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_7_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_7_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_7_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_7_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54895\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54900\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54900\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54900\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_12_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_12_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_12_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_12_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54900\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54891\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54891\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54891\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_3_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_3_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_3_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_3_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54891\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55653\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55653\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55653\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_16_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_16_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_16_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_16_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55653\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55754\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55754\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55754\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_28_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_28_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_28_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_28_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55751\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55751\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55751\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_25_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_25_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_25_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_25_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55751\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>You can find most of the shots in this review in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/s\/aHBqjCkhY2\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Specifications \/ Version History<\/h2>\n<p>There have been <a href=\"http:\/\/www.photosynthesis.co.nz\/nikon\/serialno.html#180\">three different versions<\/a> of this AF lens with different casing designs that generally all share the same optics, but the coatings have been updated at some point. It might also be worthwhile to have a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-versions-teardown-and-repair-guide\/\">Nikon AF 180mm 2.8(D) Teardown\/Version History guest post<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This is a review of one of the later AF-D versions, it has the following specifications:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Diameter: 78 mm<\/li>\n<li>Field of view: 13\u00b040&#8242; (diagonally)<\/li>\n<li>Length: 145 mm<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 765g<\/li>\n<li>Filter Diameter: 72 mm<\/li>\n<li>Number of Aperture Blades: 9 (mostly straight)<\/li>\n<li>Elements\/Groups: 8\/6<br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-50670\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_diagram.png\" alt=\"nikon af 180mm 2.8 ed review sharpness contrast review 42mp 61mp bokeh vignetting autofocus a7rv z7 z6 z8 flare build quality\" width=\"315\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_diagram.png 315w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_diagram-300x157.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Close Focusing Distance: 1.5 m<\/li>\n<li>Maximum Magnification: 1:6.3 (measured)<\/li>\n<li>Mount: Nikon-F<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>This lens has long been discontinued, you can usually find the AF version on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=nikon+180mm+2.8+af&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=nikon+70-200mm+2.8+vr+-ii+-sigma+-tamron+-fl&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=nikon+180mm+2.8+af&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=nikon+180mm+2.8&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.de<\/a> starting at <strong>~$200<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links) the later AF-D versions are generally more expensive<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Handling \/ Build Quality<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_50843\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50843\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50843\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-50843\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon AF 180mm 2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I am not so sure about the early non-D samples with that polished plastic casing, but the later non-D and D samples do feel solidly made. Pretty much everything is made from high quality polycarbonate here though with only minimal usage of metal. You can have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-versions-teardown-and-repair-guide\/\">this teardown<\/a> for further reference.<\/p>\n<p>The aperture ring is located close to the bayonet and features the same design as all of Nikon&#8217;s aperture rings with equidistantly spaced full-stop click-stops.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51542\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51542\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51542 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_AF_MF_switch.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_AF_MF_switch.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_AF_MF_switch-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_AF_MF_switch-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51542\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">AF\/MF switch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The big focus ring rotates 180\u00b0 from the minimum focus distance (1.5 m) to infinity. The resistance is good, but not as good as a purely manual focus lens. However, I still prefer the internal focus operation of this 180mm 2.8 AF to that of the unit focus design of the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-ai-s-180mm-2-8-ed\/\">Nikon Ai-s 180mm 2.8<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It also features a small A\/M lever to engage (for manual focus) or disengange (for auto focus) the focus ring.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_50845\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50845\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50845\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_hood.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_hood.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_hood-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_hood-768x441.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-50845\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 with hood extended<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Nikon 180mm 2.8 features my favorite type of lens hood: a retractable one. It also has black felt on the inside &#8211; as it should be.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_52777\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-52777\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-52777\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Comparison_Nikon_200mm_2.0_180mm_2.8_70-200mm_VR_I_G.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af-s 70-200mm 2.8 G VRI VR1 if-ed zoom telezoom tele 42mp sony nikon z 61mp z6 z7 z8 z9 a7riv a7rv contrast sharpness bokeh vignetting portrait\" width=\"800\" height=\"415\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Comparison_Nikon_200mm_2.0_180mm_2.8_70-200mm_VR_I_G.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Comparison_Nikon_200mm_2.0_180mm_2.8_70-200mm_VR_I_G-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Comparison_Nikon_200mm_2.0_180mm_2.8_70-200mm_VR_I_G-768x398.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-52777\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon 200mm 2.0 IF-ED | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D | Nikon AF-S 70-200mm 2.8G IF-ED VR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some people say the size and weight advantage of these 180-200mm primes is not big enough over the 80-200mm or 70-200mm f\/2.8 zooms, but seeing this 180mm 2.8 and the first generation 70-200mm 2.8 side by side, I think there is still room for these compact and lightweight primes.<\/p>\n<p>This AF lens relies on a motor in camera for the auto focus to operate and not all Nikon SLRs support this. The Nikon FTZ adapters also don&#8217;t, so on Z-mount cameras this will be a manual focus lens.<\/p>\n<p>Sony users can make use of the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-monster-la-fe1-and-la-fe2-af-adapter-nikon-f-to-sony-e\/\">Monster LA-FE2 adapter<\/a> though, which will allow the autofocus to work on Sony E-mount cameras. With that adapter the autofocus is surprisingly fast and reliable.<\/p>\n<h2>Vignetting<\/h2>\n<h3>light falloff<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-50673\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vignetting_Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af 180mm 2.8 ed review sharpness contrast review 42mp 61mp bokeh vignetting autofocus a7rv z7 z6 z8 flare build quality\" width=\"750\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vignetting_Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8.jpg 750w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/vignetting_Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8-300x244.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-140\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-140\">\n<tbody class=\"row-striping\">\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/2.8<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.2 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/4.0<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.8 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/5.6<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.5 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">f\/8.0 - f\/22<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">0.3 EV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-140 from cache -->\n<p>Wide open the vignetting amounts to around 1 EV in the corners which is way less than what I have seen from the Tamron 70-180mm 2.8 lenses and the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm 2.8G VRI. Stopped down there is hardly any vignetting.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_50672\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-50672\" style=\"width: 1026px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-50672\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_vig_graph.png\" alt=\"nikon af 180mm 2.8 ed review sharpness contrast review 42mp 61mp bokeh vignetting autofocus a7rv z7 z6 z8 flare build quality\" width=\"1026\" height=\"766\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_vig_graph.png 1026w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_vig_graph-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_vig_graph-800x597.png 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_vig_graph-768x573.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1026px) 100vw, 1026px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-50672\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 ED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>It is recommended to have a look at <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/vignetting-graphs-explained\/\">this article<\/a> first to get an idea how this brightness graph works.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>optical vignetting<\/h3>\n<p>Very fast lenses usually show a significant amount of optical vignetting. Without going too much into technical details optical vignetting leads to the truncation of light circles towards the borders of the frame.<br \/>\nIn the center of the frame almost every lens will render a perfect circle, but only lenses with very low optical vignetting will keep this shape in the corners.<br \/>\nSo in the following comparison we move from the center (left) to the extreme corner (right) and see how the shape of the light circle changes.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-1-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-94638\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Nikon 180mm f\/2.8@f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Nikon 180mm f\/2.8@f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane1-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Nikon 180mm f\/2.8@f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-1-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-94638\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane1-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53342\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_2.8-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_2.8-768x192.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53343\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_4.0-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_4.0-768x192.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane1-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53344\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_5.6-300x75.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Opt_Vig_5.6-768x192.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>At f\/2.8 this 180mm 2.8 lens shows a comparably low amount of optical vignetting. It actually does better than the f\/1.8 to f\/2.0 180\/200mm lenses. The shape at f\/2.8 looks also natural without distinct cat&#8217;s eyes, but in the extreme corner it looks like the circle is slightly cut by either the adapter or the rear light baffle.<br \/>\nThe Tamron 70-180mm 2.8 lenses and the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm 2.8G VRI show way higher optical vignetting at their long ends at f\/2.8.<\/p>\n<p>Already by f\/4.0 the mostly straight aperture blades lead to rather edgy nonagons though, here the modern zooms manage to keep highlights rounder.<\/p>\n<h2>Sharpness<\/h2>\n<h3>Focus Shift<\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-2-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-34822\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane2-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-2-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-34822\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane2-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51477\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51478\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane2-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51479\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Focus_Shift_33_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\">33<em>% crops, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>With some lenses the plane of optimal focus shifts when stopping down, this can be an issue with (D)SLRs, as they usually focus at maximum aperture, but luckily there is no relevant focus shift to be found here.<\/p>\n<h3>MTF-Graphs<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-50671\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_MTF.png\" alt=\"nikon af 180mm 2.8 ed review sharpness contrast review 42mp 61mp bokeh vignetting autofocus a7rv z7 z6 z8 flare build quality\" width=\"564\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_MTF.png 564w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_MTF-300x288.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>According to these MTF graphs this Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D is supposed to be a great performer with a very even across frame performance. Let&#8217;s see how these translate into reality.<\/p>\n<h3>infinity (42mp Sony A7rII)<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51385\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sharpness_Nikon_AF_180_2.8_R2.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"1400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sharpness_Nikon_AF_180_2.8_R2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sharpness_Nikon_AF_180_2.8_R2-171x300.jpg 171w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sharpness_Nikon_AF_180_2.8_R2-731x1280.jpg 731w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Sharpness_Nikon_AF_180_2.8_R2-768x1344.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51372\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51372\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51372\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sharpness_Overview_11.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sharpness_Overview_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sharpness_Overview_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sharpness_Overview_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51372\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7rII | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 | f\/11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Heat haze is always a problem when looking at the infinity resolution of tele lenses and this was no exception here, even on an overcast day. At f\/2.8 center and midframe do look good, but stopping down one to two stops definitely improves adge acuity. For the corners to look good, stopping down to f\/5.6 to f\/8.0 is needed.<\/p>\n<p>There are some rumors floating around that the previous <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-ai-s-180mm-2-8-ed\/\">Nikon Ai-s 180mm 2.8 ED<\/a> is a better performer than this newer AF lens. Based on the samples of both lenses I had, I can not confirm that.<\/p>\n<h3>close focus 1.5 m (42mp Sony A7rII)<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-3-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-55296\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane3-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-3-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-55296\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane3-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51448\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51449\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane3-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51450\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF_Sharpness_close_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>100% crops from center, A7rII<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>A minimum focus distance of 1.5 m is quite okay for an older 180mm 2.8 lens and the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-ai-s-180mm-2-8-ed\/\">Nikon Ai-s 180mm 2.8 ED<\/a> only offered 1.8 m.<\/p>\n<p>The image quality is very usable wide open with slightly reduced contrast and improves to very good levels on stopping down to f\/4.0. Also here the I don&#8217;t see the predecessor performing any better.<\/p>\n<h2>Flare resistance<\/h2>\n<p>As is the case with most tele lenses this is definetly a weak spot. Catching ghosts with the sun inside the frame isn&#8217;t the main issue, but with the sun outside the frame veiling flare becomes a problem and even the hood &#8211; which was extended for the following pictures &#8211; didn&#8217;t really help.<em><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-4-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-82554\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos1<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos2<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane4-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">Pos3<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-4-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-82554\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane4-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53226\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos1.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53227\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos2.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane4-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53228\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos3.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos3.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_Flare_2.8_Pos3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED | f\/2.8<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This is a common issue with tele lenses, but the newer ones do better in some situations. In these scenes for example I did not expect to catch such massive veiling flare and I would expect some of the recent lenses to do better:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55657\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55657\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55657\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_20_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_20_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_20_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_20_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55657\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55752\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55752\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55752\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_26_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_26_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_26_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_26_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55752\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Distortion<\/h2>\n<p>The lens is practically distortion free.<\/p>\n<h2>Bokeh<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55652\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55652\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55652\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_15_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_15_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_15_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_15_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55652\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A 180mm lens with a maximum aperture of f\/2.8 actually allows for a lot of background blur.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55749\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55749\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55749\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_23_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_23_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_23_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_23_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55749\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54898\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54898\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54898\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_10_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_10_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_10_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_10_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54898\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54893\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54893\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54893\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_5_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_5_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_5_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_5_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54893\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54897\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54897\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54897\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_9_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_9_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_9_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_9_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54897\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55656\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55656\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55656\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_19_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_19_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_19_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_19_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55656\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54892\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54892\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54892\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_4_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_4_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_4_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_4_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54892\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54890\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54890\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54890\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_2_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_2_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_2_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_2_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54890\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Generally, this lens draws a nice, pleasing bokeh and there isn&#8217;t a lot to complain about. Except for veiling flare again, which often has the potential to ruin the party:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55655\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55655\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55655\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_18_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_18_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_18_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_18_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55655\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Coma<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-5-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-70727\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane5-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-5-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-70727\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane5-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51308\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51309\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51310\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane5-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51311\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Coma_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 IF-ED | 100% crops from extreme corner<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Some people also like to use theses lenses for deep sky photography, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-ai-s-180mm-2-8-ed\/\">Nikon Ai-s 180mm 2.8 ED<\/a> was especially famous for this. This Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D also corrects this aberrations reasonably well, but in this category the old manual focus lens might actually perform a tad better.<\/p>\n<h2>Sunstars<\/h2>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-6-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-13532\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-3\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/8.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-4\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/11<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-5\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/16<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane6-6\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/22<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-6-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-13532\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane6-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51312\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_2.8-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51313\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_4.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51314\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_5.6-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51315\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_8.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_8.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_8.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_8.0-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51316\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_11.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_11.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_11-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51317\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_16.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_16.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_16-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane6-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51318\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_22.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_22.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_22-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sunstars_22-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><em><span style=\"color: #999999;\">Sony A7rII | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 IF-ED | slight crops from center<\/span><br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This sample of the Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D creates distinct sunstars with 18 rays from f\/5.6 to f\/22. By my personal experience Nikon&#8217;s aperture diaphragms weren&#8217;t built to the tightest tolerances though, so I am pretty sure there can be some variance here.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Chromatic aberrations<\/h2>\n<h3><strong>lateral<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-7-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-38065\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">uncorrected<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane7-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">corrected<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-7-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-38065\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane7-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51371\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_uncorrected.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_uncorrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_uncorrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_uncorrected-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane7-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-51370\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_corrected.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_corrected.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_corrected-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_laCA_corrected-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | f\/11<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We see a medium amount of lateral CA here, a performance similar to that of the predecessor, the <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-ai-s-180mm-2-8-ed\/\">Nikon Ai-s 180mm 2.8 ED<\/a>. As can be seen from this comparison, the one-click-correction in Lightroom is doing a good here.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>longitudinal<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-8-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-25509\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">overview<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">100% crop foreground<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane8-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">100% crop background<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-8-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-25509\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane8-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55650\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_13_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_13_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_13_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_13_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-55661\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Foreground.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Foreground.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Foreground-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Foreground-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane8-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-55660\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Background.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Background.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Background-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_180mm_2.8_AF-D_loCA_Background-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is definitely some bokeh fringing here at f\/2.8. Not a bad performance, but most of the f\/2.8 telezooms that have been released after this lens do no worse, often better.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"osc-res-tab tabbable   osc-tabs-left\"><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"nav osc-res-nav nav-tabs osc-tabs-left-ul\" id=\"oscitas-restabs-9-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-11642\"><li class=\"active\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-0\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/2.8<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-1\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/4.0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#ert_pane9-2\" data-toggle=\"tab\">f\/5.6<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><div style=\"clear:both;width: 100%;\"><ul class=\"tab-content\" id=\"oscitas-restabcontent-9-review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed-11642\"><li class=\"tab-pane active\" id=\"ert_pane9-0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53200\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53201\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_4.0.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_4.0.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_4.0-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_4.0-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><li class=\"tab-pane \" id=\"ert_pane9-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53202\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8D_pf_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><span style=\"color: #999999;\"><em>Sony A7rII | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED | 100% crops from center<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is some purple fringing, but it isn&#8217;t overly pronounced, so I don&#8217;t think it will often be an issue in the field.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">nice bokeh<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">good sharpness and contrast (except for corners at infinity)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">low distortion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">low vignetting<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">build quality<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #339966;\">price<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>average<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Coma correction<\/li>\n<li>CA correction<\/li>\n<li>size\/weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<td><strong>not good<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">flare resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">AF only on higher end Nikon (D)SLRs and via the expensive Monster LA-FE2 adapter on Sony E-mount cameras<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>It have been many years since someone made a new 180\/200mm 2.8 compact non-macro lens and the main reason for this is that the 70-200mm 2.8 zooms have become so good, rendering these unflexible primes a bit useless.<\/p>\n<p>If we stay in the Nikon F-mount world, there is at least one benefit compared to those f\/2.8 telezooms: the smaller size and weight of this 180mm 2.8 prime. The zooms are around 500g heavier and also longer.<\/p>\n<p>But it is 2024 now and the two Tamron 70-180mm 2.8 lenses for mirrorless cameras showcase how far we have come. These lenses are about the same size and weight as this prime while offering vastly superior image quality. And they allow you to cover not only 180mm, but the full range from 70 to 180mm.<\/p>\n<p>So in today&#8217;s world, this Nikon 180mm 2.8 AF(-D) is mostly a relic from the past. It is very affordable though, draws a nice bokeh and works on Nikon&#8217;s older analogue cameras, so for some people this may still be a desirable lens.<\/p>\n<p><em>This lens has long been discontinued, you can usually find the AF version on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.com\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=nikon+180mm+2.8+af&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=nikon+70-200mm+2.8+vr+-ii+-sigma+-tamron+-fl&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&amp;siteid=0&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ebay.de\/sch\/i.html?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=nikon+180mm+2.8+af&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_odkw=nikon+180mm+2.8&amp;_osacat=0&amp;mkcid=1&amp;mkrid=707-53477-19255-0&amp;siteid=77&amp;campid=5337820268&amp;toolid=20008&amp;mkevt=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ebay.de<\/a> starting at <strong>~$200<\/strong> (advertisement\/affiliate links) the later AF-D versions are generally more expensive<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Alternatives<\/h2>\n<p>As said before there aren&#8217;t any actual modern alternatives. The <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-canon-ef-2-8-200-l-ii-on-sony-a7riii\/\">Canon EF 200mm 2.8L USM II<\/a> offers a similar optical performance but you don&#8217;t need such an expensive adapter as the Monster LA-FE2 to get it to autofocus on mirrorless cameras, so it is probably a better choice for most.<\/p>\n<p>For the price of a Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D in good condition in combination with the Monster LA-FE2 adapter you can also find a used first generation <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-tamron-70-180mm-f-2-8-di-iii-vxd\/\">Tamron 70-180mm 2.8<\/a>, which brings some versatility to the table. If you are looking at F-mount lenses only and you are not that size conscious, a first or second generation Nikon AF-S 70-200mm 2.8G VR or a Tamron 70-200mm 2.8 can also be found used at affordable prices these days.<\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t care about AF, the predecessor <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-ai-s-180mm-2-8-ed\/\">Nikon Ai-s 180mm 2.8 ED<\/a> offers a similar performance, but because of being a super front heavy unit focus design and often being more expensive on the used market, I would probably prefer the AF version being reviewed here.<\/p>\n<h2>Sample Images<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55750\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55750\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55750\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_24_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_24_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_24_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_24_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55750\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55755\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55755\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55755\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_29_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_29_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_29_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_29_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55755\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55753\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55753\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55753\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_27_2.8.jpg.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_27_2.8.jpg.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_27_2.8.jpg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_27_2.8.jpg-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55753\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54899\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54899\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54899\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_11_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_11_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_11_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_11_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54899\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54896\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54896\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54896\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_8_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_8_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_8_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_8_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54896\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54894\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54894\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54894\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_6_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_6_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_6_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_6_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54894\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55651\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55651\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55651\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_14_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_14_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_14_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_14_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55651\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55658\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55658\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55658\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_21_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_21_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_21_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_21_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55658\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_55654\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-55654\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-55654\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_17_2.8.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_17_2.8.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_17_2.8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_17_2.8-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-55654\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/2.8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_54889\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-54889\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-54889\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_1_5.6.jpg\" alt=\"nikon af af-d 180mm 2.8 ed if sharpness review contrast resolution 42mp 61mp 24mp vignetting coma bokeh build quality flare resistance\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_1_5.6.jpg 800w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_1_5.6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_D_Sample_1_5.6-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-54889\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sony A7III | Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 D | Monster LA-FE2 | f\/5.6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can find most of the shots in this review in full resolution <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/s\/aHBqjCkhY2\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/lenses\/all-lens-reviews\/\">All Lens Reviews<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/the-best-lenses-for-brenizer-bokehpanoramas\/\">Best lenses for Brenizer\/Bokehpanoramas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-laowa-10mm-2-8-af-the-beginning-of-a-new-era\/\">Review: Laowa 10mm 2.8 AF<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-28mm-1-4-d-the-wide-angle-noct-nikkor\/\">Review: Nikon AF 28mm 1.4 D<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-sony-fe-85mm-1-4-gm\/\">Review: Sony FE 85mm 1.4 GM<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Support Us<\/h2>\n<p>Did you find this article useful or just liked reading it? Treat us to a coffee!<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=3K9EJRRQVXT4J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-40345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/donate2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"103\" height=\"29\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/en_SE\/i\/scr\/pixel.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\"><em>via Paypal<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This site contains advertisement\/affiliate links. If you make a purchase using any of the links marked as advertisement\/affiliate links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of future content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction With the rise of the 80-200mm f\/2.8 zooms it seems the 180-200mm f\/2.8 primes fell out of fashion, as for more than 20 years no manufacturer bothered to design a new lens like this (not counting a few third party macro options). While Canon last updated their 200mm 2.8 in 1996, Nikon never updated &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4708,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[51,311,18,419],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-51265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nikon","category-nikon-manufacturers","category-review","category-vintage"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED - phillipreeve.net<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Nikon AF 180mm 2.8ED is a compact fast tele lens first released in the 1980s. Nikon kept the design for over\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED - phillipreeve.net\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Nikon AF 180mm 2.8ED is a compact fast tele lens first released in the 1980s. Nikon kept the design for over\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"phillipreeve.net\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bastian.kratzke\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-06-09T06:15:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-23T13:35:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title_FB.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"700\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"BastianK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"BastianK\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"26 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/\",\"name\":\"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED - phillipreeve.net\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-09T06:15:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-23T13:35:52+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9b7aa081afe07a6cae2e7d1ea1b476d7\"},\"description\":\"The Nikon AF 180mm 2.8ED is a compact fast tele lens first released in the 1980s. Nikon kept the design for over\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg\",\"width\":800,\"height\":467,\"caption\":\"Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 via adapter on Sony A7rII\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"phillipreeve.net\",\"description\":\"Sony \u03b1 | Leica M | Nikon Z\/F New articles every week\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9b7aa081afe07a6cae2e7d1ea1b476d7\",\"name\":\"BastianK\",\"description\":\"My name is Bastian and I am your expert here when it comes to ultra wide angle lenses, super fast portrait lenses (ranging from a 50mm f\/0.95 to a 200mm f\/1.8) and I also have reviewed way too many 35mm lenses. Don't ask me anything about macro or wildlife shooting though.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/bastian_k\",\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bastian.kratzke\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bastiankratzke\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/bastian-kratzke-450636164\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/author\/bastiank\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED - phillipreeve.net","description":"The Nikon AF 180mm 2.8ED is a compact fast tele lens first released in the 1980s. Nikon kept the design for over","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED - phillipreeve.net","og_description":"The Nikon AF 180mm 2.8ED is a compact fast tele lens first released in the 1980s. Nikon kept the design for over","og_url":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/","og_site_name":"phillipreeve.net","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bastian.kratzke","article_published_time":"2024-06-09T06:15:55+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-03-23T13:35:52+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":700,"url":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title_FB.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"BastianK","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"BastianK","Est. reading time":"26 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/","url":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/","name":"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED - phillipreeve.net","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg","datePublished":"2024-06-09T06:15:55+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-23T13:35:52+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9b7aa081afe07a6cae2e7d1ea1b476d7"},"description":"The Nikon AF 180mm 2.8ED is a compact fast tele lens first released in the 1980s. Nikon kept the design for over","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Nikon_AF_180mm_2.8_Sony_A7rII_title.jpg","width":800,"height":467,"caption":"Nikon AF 180mm 2.8 via adapter on Sony A7rII"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/review-nikon-af-180mm-2-8d-if-ed\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Review: Nikon AF 180mm 2.8D IF-ED"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/","name":"phillipreeve.net","description":"Sony \u03b1 | Leica M | Nikon Z\/F New articles every week","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/9b7aa081afe07a6cae2e7d1ea1b476d7","name":"BastianK","description":"My name is Bastian and I am your expert here when it comes to ultra wide angle lenses, super fast portrait lenses (ranging from a 50mm f\/0.95 to a 200mm f\/1.8) and I also have reviewed way too many 35mm lenses. Don't ask me anything about macro or wildlife shooting though.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/bastian_k","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/bastian.kratzke","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bastiankratzke","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/bastian-kratzke-450636164\/"],"url":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/author\/bastiank\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51265","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4708"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51265"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51265\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":85516,"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51265\/revisions\/85516"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51265"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51265"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phillipreeve.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51265"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}