* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Nikon 180mm f/2.8 NIKKOR AI Manual Focus Lens {72}
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$154.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AI: a proven short telephoto prime.
The 180mm focal length sits in a sweet spot for telephoto work, long enough to compress a scene and separate a subject from its background at f/2.8, short enough to remain manageable handheld. The Nikon F AI mount means the aperture coupling indexes directly with compatible Nikon bodies, preserving metered exposure without stopping down.
At f/2.8, you get a fast maximum aperture for a telephoto prime, giving you real flexibility in lower-light conditions where slower zooms start to struggle. The 72mm filter thread is a common size, so polarizers and ND filters are easy to source. Manual focus operation puts full control in your hands, which suits shooters who prefer to work deliberately than chase autofocus lock.
For anyone already invested in the Nikon F ecosystem, this lens represents a direct, no-compromise path to a fast 180mm prime. The AI specification integrates with Nikon F bodies that support AI coupling, keeping your metering workflow intact.
Who It's For
Portrait photographers who want subject isolation at a flattering telephoto distance will find f/2.8 at 180mm does the job with a shallow depth of field. Sports and event shooters working in manual-focus disciplines, track and field, for example, where zone focusing is practical, get a fast aperture at an useful reach. Film photographers shooting on Nikon F-mount bodies gain full AI metering coupling. Street or documentary photographers who prefer prime lenses and deliberate, manual focus technique will feel at home with this focal length.
Key Features
- 180mm focal length for telephoto compression and subject separation
- f/2.8 maximum aperture for fast telephoto performance
- Nikon F mount with AI coupling for metered exposure control
- Manual focus operation for precise, deliberate focus work
- 72mm filter thread for standard polarizers and ND filters
- Fixed prime design with no zoom mechanism
FAQ
- What mount does this 180mm lens use?
- Nikon F (AI) mount. The AI coupling indexes the aperture directly with compatible Nikon bodies, so you get metered exposure without stopping down the lens manually.
- Is this lens autofocus or manual focus?
- Manual focus only. You control focus directly via the lens barrel.
- What's the maximum aperture?
- f/2.8. For a 180mm prime, that's a fast aperture that gives you real low-light flexibility.
- What filter size does it accept?
- 72mm. That's a common thread size, so polarizers and ND filters are easy to find.
- Does this lens work on modern Nikon DSLRs?
- Yes, on any F-mount DSLR with AI coupling support. The AI specification keeps your metering workflow intact on those bodies.
- Why choose manual focus for a telephoto?
- Manual focus gives you full control and suits deliberate shooting over autofocus chasing. Combined with the fast f/2.8 aperture, you can focus precisely in varied light.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 180mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F (AI) |
| Filter Thread | 72mm |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Nikon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Focus Type | Manual focus (only) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount Ai |
| Lens Type | Telephoto / Long |
| Max Focal Length | 180mm |
| Min Focal Length | 180mm |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.