Legendary vintage telephoto lens!! Absolute best! (Giveaway winners announced!📦)

[@EmilioDeSimone]

I've had this lens for a few weeks, and even though I haven't used it seriously yet, I confirm that it is a real marvel; It doesn't show his age. The contrast, colors and sharpness are superb. Great video and great photos as always!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thanks so much! It's a fantastic lens indeed! Enjoy it!

[@AntPDC]

Thank you. This is a legendary Nikkor lens, and it lives up to its reputation, in spades. Optical and mechanical excellence. This lens will last many generations, unlike the disposable plastic CPU-based lenses of today.

[@VintageOptiks]

I completely agree!! This Nikkor is simply superb and it is without a doubt one of my all time favorite lenses!!

[@The_CGA]

That’s a bit harsh-there are a lot of robust lenses being made today, some of them affordable- I do wish we had more options for long telephoto primes though

[@johnrflinn]

A favorite of Galen Rowell along with the 24mm F2.8. He also loved to use the graduated neutral density filter to calm the highlights between land and sky.

[@VintageOptiks]

Great to hear! Thanks for the info.

[@AntPDC]

@@The_CGA Perhaps I was being harsh, but electronics do fail, eventually, which renders lenses which employ them unusable, absent manual aperture and focus control.

[@classic.cameras]

Picked up one in Canada when it was a Cold Snap for about $180 USD. I couldn't even test it as it was foggy from the cold but took a chance on it and made sure the blades worked. When I have used this lens over the past year, its a WOW for me. Best $180 I ever spent.

[@VintageOptiks]

Definitely a WOW lens! :) I absolutely love it! Glad you are happy with it. Enjoy!

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Thanks for the splendid video. I love this lens too, amazing render and clarity. Those mangrove swamps/forests look like a great place to shoot. Thanks again..😊

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, this is an amazing lens indeed, one of my favorites. I am very fortunate that I have access to such beautiful places where I can shoot. I love the swamp.

[@dance2jam]

I realize what I am about to say is not a fair comparison. I loved the 180mm f/2.8 ED AF lens and shot the used copy I got a lot. A few years later I picked up a used copy of the Nikkor 200mm f/2 (which is a different beast). I decided to shoot them both several times in the same shoot, adjusting for distance to make the two nearly the same in terms of distance to subject and distance from subject to background. Then I did test shots with both on a relatively stable target in good light at base ISO. As much as I would love to say the 180mm f/2.8 held its own, the 200mm f2 just was in another league - much as I imagine the new Z 135mm f1.8 S PLENA will be. Now, the 180mm f/2.8 is lighter in the hand and the wallet, and it's a great lens. That said, since I started shooting with the 200mm f2, I've only reached for the 180mm a few times. Still, for the money, a fantastic buy.

[@413TomaccoRoad]

It would look even better on a D619, 810 or 850😉

[@jebeq2007]

Excellent review!. I just picked up 180mm ED AF version at a local thrift store for $15 US. It has blown my mind. It is so incredibly sharp and and the micro contrast is fantastic. I mounted it on my Sony A7IV with an adapter and the photos are just amazing. I can't wait to use it on my Nikon F100 to take advantage of the AF.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Wow, I can’t believe you found the AF version for $15!! That’s a crazy deal! It’s an incredible lens for sure! Glad to hear that you are enjoying it. Cheers!

[@schizophrantic]

I found the latest version in a bookstore and I got $50 on top of the lens.

[@tsdelaney]

Wow! What an amazing find! I've got the Ai (non-ED) version and I paid a lot more than that!!!

[@peterbear2929]

@@schizophrantic Sounds like in the USthey sell these at every corner!

[@joerg_koeln]

This lens is one of reasons why Nikon was #1 during the analog times. I own the successor which comes with AF.

[@edsonferreirafotografo]

Still be the first today.

[@efreutel]

Superb review. Many thanks 🙏 😊

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.

[@davidatkinson1413]

As always, an incredible video. Love the format and the honest reviews. Keep ‘‘em coming 😁

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback.

[@andrewlara9685]

Oh my gosh! I won!!! That is awesome! How do you wish to get into contract?

[@VintageOptiks]

Congratulations Andrew!!! Please send me an e-mail with your full name and exact mailing address to: [e-mail] I'll send you the lens asap! Enjoy!!

[@luludelasnubes]

CONGRATS !! :-)

[@nathanm5051]

With your recommendation, I studied your video for this lens. Another excellent efforts and result. I really impressed by the sharpness this lens can deliver. Your wonderful image contents/scenes selected also helps to stand out the sharpness of the lens. Color is also great! Many thanks.

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome Nathan. It's an amazing lens for sure. Superb optics and fantastic build quality. Easily one of my all-time favorite lenses!!

[@JB-ou6fl]

Awesome video and amazing pictures! I was in awe with the sharpness and color rendition after seeing the first picture you took with this lens. I just subscribed to your channel.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback. This lens is definitely very special. One of my absolute favorites! Thank you for subscribing to the channel.

[@larrycrane2843]

I love my 180 2.8 ED! Bought it used in 1996

[@VintageOptiks]

Awesome! It’s an amazing lens!

[@mrca2004]

Really sharp, gorgeous bokeh, stunning micro contrast. Just shot it on an f6 with acros 100 and tmax 400 super fine grained film. Gorgeous.

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to hear that you appreciate this masterpiece of a lens. It's one of my all-time favorites. I've been using mine lately with my F2 and Tri-X. Love the results. Cheers!

[@georgeosier6892]

Thanks !!!... I always enjoy vintage glass because of it's unique qualities and low prices !!!

[@VintageOptiks]

Congratulations!!! Please send me an e-mail at [e-mail] with your full name and mailing address and I'll send you the lens asap.

[@artoffighting06]

Hm, watched a couple of your videos. Good job! I like. And yes, the NIKKOR*ED 180mm f/2.8 AI-S is a true gem (and pretty cheap to get in regards to what it can do). It was my second vintage lens, after the Micro-NIKKOR 55m f/2.8 AI-S and up till then I only knew 'contemporary plastic-zooms'. These lenses redefined what images quality (and build quality and handling as well) means for me and after that I was hooked :) The development of photographs these lenses produce is minimal to non. Before I was heavily tweaking images to just get in the direction of what a composition looked like in real life. With these vintage maserpiece I maybe do minor corrections, crop, and than leave it alone, to not disturb/compromise the inherent relations and harmony of colors, contrast and natural transition from focus to out-of-focus. Total game changer..

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos. And yes, this lens is an absolute gem! It's easily the best lens I've tried in the 180-200mm focal length. It's simply superb! And as you noted, it's actually cheap for the kind of amazing quality you get from it. I completely agree that photographs from these lenses need very minimal adjustments, if any. Glad to hear from another person who appreciates vintage lenses! Take care and happy shooting!

[@Audimann]

I have another gem. The Nikkor 100-300mm f5.6 Ais. Paid 99 bucks in a second hand store. I put it on my D850 for the ultimate test and was blown away. So much sharpness for such an old lens from the 80's. All metal construction of course.

[@VintageOptiks]

Sounds like a great zoom! Thank you for sharing. Would love to try it at some point.

[@johnarmstrong5727]

I also have the 100-300 f5.6 AIS bought ebay UK for £42.00 and have used this excellent lens for several years and bought a boxed 2nd copy last year for £50.00 , the images are excellent and does not have many reviews about it.

[@snapshotscorner5542]

I had a Nikkor 180 f2.8 back in the 90`s. It had to go together with my studio when I sold everything in 2007. Truly enjoy your videos on vintage lenses. Keep them coming. Just subscribed.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos. And thanks so much for subscribing to the channel!

[@chorton53]

Thanks so much for making this video. I'm looking to replace my 100-400mm fuji lens because it's not as fast as I would have liked. The range doesn't compare but I'll just have to deal with it. Cheers !

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome. You would love this lens - it’s simply phenomenal! Without a doubt one of my all time favorites! Cheers and happy shooting!

[@just_eirik]

Thanks for putting lenses on my radar that might be fun to dart to my Fuji. This one might be good for a specific bird photography scenario I have in mind.

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome! This lens is absolutely phenomenal! You will be amazed at the images it can produce.

[@AlexanderNVIDIA]

I like how you adapt Quentin Tarantino's signature narrative style of presenting a lens. Great work!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@powerlurker]

Nice review, bought a pentax k 50 1.2 at your recommendation and absolutely love it

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! That’s so great to hear!! Enjoy!

[@CarmineGroe]

Thank you for your awesome reviews!

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome!! Glad you enjoy the content.

[@richardsimms251]

Nice video. Thanks

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! 🙏

[@ukasz7073]

I bought a lens and on the back of the lens I don't have a glass lens like the newer Nikkor g-series models. should I buy a special filter?

[@bosragh]

Oh what a reminder, I have this and still love this by mounting on Sony body with an adopter.

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to hear you also have this magical lens! It’s one my favorites!!

[@CvitanGrguricin]

This lens is a hidden gem, probably because most people for for the 70-200 zooms. Mine is the latest version, and is my best portrait lens. Got it very cheap, something like 30% of retail price, maybe even less.

[@VintageOptiks]

I agree! A real gem indeed! That’s great you found a copy for cheap.

[@TheKimNeeper]

I just bought one of these lenses because of this review :) I live next to Copenhagen Zoo, and have no tele lenses, this seems like extremely high quality optics for a very low price. Now just waiting for an adaptor for my Panasonic S5 to test it out.

[@VintageOptiks]

Congrats on getting this amazing telephoto lens! I’m excited for you to try it out. It’s definitely my favorite lens in the 180-200mm range. It’s simply incredible!

[@hugomouteira7015]

Nice video as always, you should try the AF version of this lens, its even sharper! Best regards

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!!

[@CryoftheProphet]

thanks! great video!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thanks so much!

[@smkunder1]

Great video, what are these going for these days?

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you. They go for around 200 dollars, but if you are lucky you can get one for a bit cheaper. Definitely worth it for such an incredible lens!

[@richalexander1138]

Awesome review! What soundtrack did you use? Love the classic spy vibes

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you.

[@attilavida4696]

Could you please tell me which Sony you use? What megapixel am I looking at? 24?42? (Amazed by the croc and the Kormoran photo) Many thanks

[@VintageOptiks]

I shot those images with Sony a7III. It’s 24 megapixels. Cheers!

[@Bearhawk58]

A no nonsense site. Good!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@studiosnch]

This is the lens - or its older version (the Nikkor-P version with a factory-kit AI conversion) - that is keeping me my FM3a's. Done some of my all-time favorite shots with it, and it just looks and works superbly with what I consider as Nikon's best manual-focus, semi-professional SLR.

[@VintageOptiks]

Glad to hear that you’re also a fan of this superb lens. It’s without a doubt one of my all-time favorites.

[@samsen3965]

Great lens, great review.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@antontaranenko8824]

Thanks for the nice review 😊 This lens is truly stellar. As for me there is one issue which I don't like, it is infinity focus. This lens has back focus past infinity, as I had been explained by repairs man in Japan, it is part of the Nikon design for heat expansion compensation, due to long and mostly empty barrel of the lens... It is giving inconvenience during astrophotography, when instead just turn the lens to max infinity in the dark, you have to fiddle, in order to get proper infinity focus. It is mostly ok now with mirror less bodies, but pain with DSLR... It is also nice for full body portraits, much lighter and more comfortable than my 200mm f2 vr ii, and I prefer to carry it with me for casual photo shutting of my daughter, however for job, like wedding the 200mm f2 VRii is much better...

[@VintageOptiks]

You are welcome. I didn’t know about the back focusing issue on DSLRs. That definitely can be problematic with astrophotography. But it’s amazing for portraits. Gorgeous bokeh and outstanding sharpness! It’s one of my favorites!

[@migueljalo9731]

I hope to god your channels becomes successfull. Your style is right up my alley, being that I love shooting with vintage lenses. The lens I use the most is an old Nikkor 70 210mm. Given modest to decent light, is very sharp, though not as well build as other lenses I’ve used from that era. Still beats most contemporary glass in terms of feel and being robust. Your videos are very concise and to the point. Keep going man

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear that you appreciate vintage lenses and enjoy the videos. That's cool you have the Nikkor 70-210mm. Is that the AF version with max aperture of f4?

[@migueljalo9731]

@@VintageOptiks exactly that one. 4-5.6. It’s become my most used lens by far, after my 50mm series e from Nikon as well. The pancake lens. Isn’t it wonderful how well they used to build lenses back then? That’s definitely part of the appeal for me. Plus, you can get razor sharp cheap old lenses that perform as well or even better than contemporary lenses if you’re just patient enough to do some manual interacting.

[@VintageOptiks]

@@migueljalo9731 Nice!!! I love the Series E 50mm f1.8 Nikkor pancake lens! It's so small and really sharp!! I agree with you 100% about the feel and build quality of old lenses - they were made to last and still work incredibly well! And they cost a fraction of the price of modern plastic lenses. And on top of that they give you that extra magic in the way they capture the world! I love them!!

[@migueljalo9731]

@@VintageOptiks that’s really true. Just checked that you put out a video about removing fungus and it comes in handy because my 50mm unfortunately has internal fungus. Only affects image quality when there are bright spots like street lamps. Photos come out looking a bit hazy. During day light to moderate light, good to go.

[@VintageOptiks]

@@migueljalo9731 Sorry to hear your 50mm lens has fungus. It's pretty common in old lenses, but for the most part it's not too hard to remove. Hope the video is helpful.

[@jupitereye4322]

I have Contax Zeiss 180mm f2.8, it has some issues with the chromatic aberration and fringing just like this lens, but the rendering is amazing. I always wanted to replace it with Contax Zeiss 135mm Apo Sonnar, but the price was just too high. The only high end Apochromatic lens I could afford is probably old Mamiya Apo Sekor lenses, but those have their own practical challenges.

[@VintageOptiks]

Yeah, unfortunately a lot of vintage telephoto lenses suffer from chromatic aberrations. This Nikkor is probably one of the best in this focal length that is still pretty affordable. The CA's are well controlled and the sharpness is outstanding. Also if you are shooting it on digital you can always remove the CA's in post.

[@lensman5762]

Great review sir. As an owner of one these, I agree with your findings. The only gripe that I have is that a Nikon lens, particularly a legend like the 180 F2.8 ED should never go anywhere near a Sony . They used to make Ghettoblasters and Walkmans in the 80s.

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review. This Nikkor lens is one of my favorites! Sorry to hear that you feel that way about Sony. They might not have the long history of camera making, but I personally appreciate the fact that they made the very first mirrorless camera with a full frame sensor back in 2013! It took Nikon and Canon another 5 years to release full frame mirrorless cameras of their own. So when it comes to full frame mirrorless cameras, which is what I use, Sony were actually the pioneers. Take care.

[@GrumpyTim]

Wow, that lens looks sharp - I'm guessing they don't turn up for no money though - I'll keep my eye open in case one turns up cheaply, I quite fancy one of those, not for my mirrorless, but to actually use on my Nikons.

[@VintageOptiks]

Yeah, it's a really sharp lens!! And the bokeh is gorgeous! I found mine on eBay for $200 which is not dirt cheap but also not bad at all considering that this is a fast professional telephoto lens that is almost perfect. I am sure it will be great paired with your Nikons!

[@GrumpyTim]

@@VintageOptiks That doesn't sound too bad for a top quality lens. I'll definitely keep my eye open for one of those.

[@roy5515]

I was in a second hand camera store and spotted this beauty in a corner. I checked it out and it’s mint, hardly used. Just perfect. I bargained a bit and got it for us$300. For the quality of its images, it’s a bargain. I’m very happy with it.

[@VintageOptiks]

That's amazing you found one in mint condition!! Congrats! It's easily one of the best telephoto lenses I've ever tested! An absolute gem!! Enjoy!

[@TheKimNeeper]

Got mine in optically and mechanically mint condition, just a few dents on the body paint, for $285 :)

[@thomasgalliano5575]

I love your videos and I love this lens! Are you planning to do a giveaway for this beautiful 180mm? If yes I would love to be considered! Keep up with your channel! 🤙👊💪

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Unfortunately I can’t give this one away because it’s my only copy and I love it too much. 😬 More videos coming soon!!

[@sahityamondal7230]

Everyone Better luck next time !! 🙂

[@usables4028]

And I need new lens, thanks 😑😁 Just bought vivitar 300mm and its SO heavy. That Nikon lens seems Great so I need to check whats the price point now :) congrats to the winners!

[@VintageOptiks]

Yeah this is a great telephoto lens! You would love it! And the price is very reasonable for a fast professional telephoto. You can find it for around $250 these days.

[@bradmiller9993]

I've been searching for the AF-D version of this lens; I wonder if it has the same optical design as the AI-S. Does anyone know ? I'm not sure how well I can do without VR @ 180mm but I'm willing to find out. Good video!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you. Glad you liked the video. This AIS lens has 5 elements in 5 groups, while the AF-D version has 8 elements in 6 groups. So the 2 lenses are definitely different.

[@footycheck]

new fav channel

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoy it!

[@fatherheer]

Love the lens as well...where did you take your photos?

[@VintageOptiks]

I took the photos in several different state parks and nature preserves in South Carolina.

[@richardpcrowe]

Using this lens on a crop sensor camera adapted with a focal reducer would result in roughly a 180mm f/2.0 equivalent lens = wow!

[@VintageOptiks]

That sounds amazing!!

[@I_dont_know2024]

I'm between that lens and it's newer 1994 version: the nikkor AF 180mm F/2.8D IF-ED. Which one would you recommend me to buy, between these two lenses? I have a Nikon DSLR D5600 camera.

[@VintageOptiks]

Hi, it depends if you value Autofocus for your photography or not. I love manual focusing and I only use manual focus lenses, so for me the AIS version works great. It's without a doubt one of my all-time favorite telephoto lenses!!

[@I_dont_know2024]

Hi, thank you for your answer! The only difference between these two lenses is focus mechanism? In all the other factors (such as image quality, sharpness etc..) are exactly the same?

[@VintageOptiks]

@@I_dont_know2024 The optics are slightly different, but both lenses perform very well! They both have the same 9 bladed aperture and excellent performance. But I've heard that the Autofocus abilities on the newer lens can be inaccurate sometimes which can mess up the sharpness of your shots. But you could put it in manual mode by moving the A/M switch and just use it manually. But then you might as well get the older manual version, which has better built quality. A lot to consider. I hope this helps. Take care.

[@I_dont_know2024]

@@VintageOptiks Thank you very much! I'm sufficiently informed!

[@AntPDC]

Hi Dion. This is probably too late, but your Nikon D5600 cannot autofocus Nikkor lenses such as the 180 f/2.8 AF-D - all the "AF-D" series in fact. They rely on a screw motor in the camera body, which the D5600 doesn't have. Nikons with autofocus motor in body comprise: D50, D70, D80, D90, D100, D200, D300, D7xxx, D6xx, D7xx, D8xx, all pro models (D1, D2, D2, D3, D4, Df). Models derived from those (e.g. D300/D300s, D3/D3x, etc.) also have AF motors. Nikons without AF motors are: D40, D60, D3xxx, D5xxx. Nor, alas, does the Nikon D5600 have a "non-CPU lens" menu feature, so it offers no metering with manual-focus lenses such as the Nikkor ED 180mm f2.8, but there are workarounds like looking at the LCD after you shoot, or using a separate light meter.

[@johnrflinn]

The 200mm F4 is a economical alternative.

[@VintageOptiks]

Definitely! I love that lens. I reviewed the AI model awhile back.

[@MichelDetailleur]

Nice reviews! Keep up the good work!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@ivans9655]

Nice review of amazing lens!

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!

[@arjun100ni]

I like the way you explain things...i enjoy a lot, i really like this 👍

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you so much!!

[@Terorizerify]

Excellent channel! Could someone tell me, what is the sont on chapter titles?

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you! Unfortunately I don’t know who made the song in the chapter titles. I only have that very short clip.

[@Terorizerify]

@@VintageOptiks how sad( thanks so much

[@McMaxW]

Have you ever tried the Auto Rikenon 55mm f1.4? I would love to hear your thoughts about it!

[@VintageOptiks]

I haven't tried it yet, but I am a huge fan of Rikenon lenses! I am currently working on a 35mm lens that is really special.

[@McMaxW]

@@VintageOptiks I will be waiting for it :)

[@anamorphicalan]

damn which is best telophoto lens now? have you tested three now?

[@VintageOptiks]

In the 200mm range - definitely this one! It’s fast, sharp and almost no CA’s! I absolutely love it!!

[@MusphyOfficial]

it is zoom lens or fix 180mm?

[@VintageOptiks]

It’s a prime lens not a zoom.

[@ingowalkerling5141]

Another lens with identical Performance: Tamron SP 2,5 180mm LD Adaptall.

[@VintageOptiks]

Will have to check it out!

[@rolltrollroll]

Now just to compare to180mm 2.8 CZJ Sonnar :)

[@VintageOptiks]

To be honest I prefer the Nikkor - it's 500g lighter, has shorter minimum focusing distance, it has 9 blades (vs the 8 on the CZJ) and it's better at controlling aberrations due to the ED element on the front. It's also a bit cheaper. But that's just my opinion. The 180mm f2.8 CZJ Sonnar is a great lens, but if I had to pick one I'll definitely go with the Nikkor.

[@rolltrollroll]

@@VintageOptiks True. I’m just a sucker for CZJ/MOG glass :-P (+Minolta SR mount)

[@nikolinkageorgieva2022]

Amazing video🤗👍

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@helisoma]

Subscribed, now give us more AI-S Nikon reviews especially telephotos 😄

[@VintageOptiks]

Thanks for subscribing! There will be more Nikon reviews in the future for sure.

[@signaturegallery5586]

I lb to watch all the videos❤️

[@VintageOptiks]

Thank you!

[@signaturegallery5586]

❤️❤️

[@fabriciosperandiogiacomin3476]

Bacana

[@sujonmodol5404]

No luck for me...God is merciless..haha.

[@VintageOptiks]

HAHA!!