Nikon Z9 & Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AF lens Review | New camera & old lens results

[@JB-ou6fl]

I enjoy manual focusing older Nikon lenses on the Z series cameras due to the focus peaking feature. That makes it easier to manually focus. That being said, I wish that Nikon will produce an FTZ adapter with an autofocus motor that will work with Nikon's AF and AF-D lenses. The compatibility of older lenses with newer cameras is one of Nikon's competitive advantages in my opinion especially during the F-mount era. The FTZ adapter helps with compatibility for the Z series but is still lacking due to not having an autofocus motor.

[@albertjimenez7896]

First and foremost, another fantastic video from you, and I love how you combine old and modern equipment. Second, the Nikon 180mm 2.8 lens has excellent micro contrast and color saturation, as well as fantastic bokeh. It's one of photography's best-kept secrets. The lens is also one of the primary reasons I'm always ranting about Nikon's failure to produce a screwdriver lens adapter.

[@bngr_bngr]

Does the D780 have the ability to focus these lens?

[@albertjimenez7896]

@@bngr_bngr Yes, it does auto focus.

[@boostedmaniac]

All your videos of these vintage lenses is going to bump up the values. Such a gorgeous lens. Thanks for sharing.

[@NickHey]

Some REALLY lovely photos here, very core art photography IMO. Would love to see the Z9 with the 105 F2.0 DC next :)

[@Vahagraphy]

DOnt have that lens but I do have the 105 E. Cant wait to shoot some portraits

[@dominiclester3232]

@@Vahagraphy The f1.4? Super...

[@Cotictimmy]

I had this version (using it on the D3X) and it's lovely. When I first tried using it, I found I could not get the usual perfectly sharp eyes. I was using studio strobe (so it wasn't camera shake) & I was baffled for a few minutes. Then I figured it out. The 180mm was twice as long as my previous longest lens (85mm) - so the telephoto effect is strong when you are shooting near minimum focusing distance. I could see that it was quite difficult to keep the focus point still and exactly on the eye. (I was NOT using back button continuous focusing at that time.) I grabbed my brother's monopod to steady it, and the problem was solved. Obviously - even though you can't autofocus on a Z mirrorless bodies, you do have the help from the IBIS and much better tolerance for higher ISO. I sold it eventually because it was too long for my small home studio, but I regret selling it not. On the upside I replaced it with the 105 f2DC. 😀

[@erichramone7812]

This is one of the reasons I like your channel. You are not afraid too pay tribute to the beautiful products of the past. Photography can be and is so much more than “brand new tech” or an auto focus competition. Also I liked the Picasso reference at 6:39

[@Vahagraphy]

That you Erich. Rock and roll. I appreciate that. Photography to me like you said is so much more that the new stuff. I love the old stuff and sometimes the old stuff has what the new stuff wished it had.

[@erichramone7812]

@@Vahagraphy very true.

[@HI2LIFE]

1000 WOWS!!!!! I’m soooo excited you’ve posted this video about the Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AF-D In my opinion my favorite lens! I have been lucky to own some Nikon fantastic lenses like the 300mm f/2.8 VR2 / The 85mm 1.4 and 1.8 to mention a few…. But the 180mm it’s my very favorite! The hood is just perfection! The rendition? Construction like a tank! The material like no other! And THE MACRO CONTRAST is what this lens all about! Every photo you take as you look the result I can guarantee you’ll say OMG!!!!

[@charlesdavis6371]

I fully support this review. I grew up before AF was available, so manually focusing isn't an issue for me - nice to know it will work on the newer cameras. It does remind me I have an extra one to pack up for a keh or adorama sell off though. Good review V - keep 'em coming, ... and have a great weekend.

[@agnethaladuff8559]

That is a very nice looking lens, well built, made to last, very good with video and still images. I like the color, sharpness, bokeh and I really like that it's a pre AF-S for it's aperture ring which can be used with film cameras as well, so more cameras to choose to use with the AF-n 180mm f2.8. The 180 lens and Z9 work well together.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

It's a fabulous piece of glass. Nikon make their own glass for these types of lens and the simpler optical design with that vintage glass just renders , for me, better than almost all modern lenses. It has the "artistic, painterly look" when used correctly...Love it!! Thanks for the video...

[@artvisualphotography]

That lens looks rock and roll. Live that bokeh coming from it. Smooth.

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

You come up with awesome camera/lens combos..cause you da man..peace brother

[@michael-4k4000]

Love the character of this lens! Excellent video Vahagan! This is not a lens I’d get, but I love the results this lens provides…..

[@Vahagraphy]

Thanks Michael. It is an excellent old lens. I love it.

[@kevingoza]

Brother, I absolutely LOVE the composition in this video! One of your best I’ve seen! Just got the z9, and I’ve had that lens for years. Can’t wait to get another FTZ adapter (the round one so it will fit my camera). THANK YOU!!

[@Vahagraphy]

You are very welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your kind words. Congrats on the Mighty Z9.

[@jacobjurg3746]

You know how to pick them! It's one of my favorites. Loved it on the D810. Thanks for the vid, keep on rocking!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Really brother, OUTSTANDING. I have known this lense for years . But now after watching your video, OUTSTANDING. I must not maybe, must have it. When you said a modern day Picasso you were not kidding. Beautiful color, bokeh, and incredible soft buttery background, video's as well. Thanks great video, I am hunting already.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Vahagraphy, Is so nice to see someone just enjoying making images. Great to also see the Old and the New work as one. Keep well, keep safe and enjoy your cameras?

[@kevingoza]

Update: Just picked up the FTZii so it would fit on my z9 with no problem. FANTASTIC!! Got some nice backyard shots. A little forward heavy, but not bad at all.

[@janw.jensen2490]

Have the lens. Like it. When I worked for a newspaper back in the days, this was a lens for portrait and sports.

[@dominique4405]

Totally agree ! Beautiful pictures ! I've bought a Zfc with a FTZ adaptor just to keep using that lens. For the Zfc with no ibis, you need the smallrig grip and/or a tripod to get the sharpest pictures !

[@mechexpert]

Brilliant video mate, love the videos and the background music. I do own a Nikon 180mm myself and it's an epic lens on both my D810 and on the Z6. Manual focus is not a big issue as focus peaking helps big time on the Z6. Lastly, just as an FYI, the main reason this 180mm (& a select other vintage lenses) perform so well is that they are infused with Thorium Oxide within the glass manufacturing and that helps with the micro contrast and superb colour rendition. Thorium oxide is radioactive in nature so just be mindful of that to not let the lens sit on the camera for days and days as it might lead to sensor or electronic issues 🙂 (also don't bring lens super close to eyes for long either)

[@Vahagraphy]

ohh man, thank you for the info. I didn't know this. This is super interesting though.

[@russellwright9961]

This is the very reason why I currently use many other older Nikkor lenses. I’ve always said that these lenses not only fit my use for stills, but are excellent for video use. I really like the results shown here on the Z9, it makes me feel good about what I have planned for the future that includes my current investment. Thanks Vahagan for sharing this great value nugget on this lens, I promise it will help folk…

[@rameshjn]

Fantastic video. I recently picked up the 180mm f/2.8 early AF version of the lens. Yet to try this with my D700. I am excited though.

[@bespokecustomstudio1565]

Second comment. I absolutely love the z9. Literally a powerhouse camera. I appreciate character lens than everything being about tack sharpness. Sharpness has its place obviously, but seeing that as the epitome of excellence can be problematic. Lest not forget that photography is an art form and ambiguity and suspense has its own feel. Thanks for your insight and appreciating older lens.. You rock.

[@realnikonlover6207]

Beautiful video Vahagn! The old Nikon "tanks" are awesome lenses. I have a couple of them and they still deliver incredible images. What I like is that you MUST think and use your camera in concert with the lens. I am very excited to see how the Z9 works with the old iron I keep around. Rock on to those oldies including the lenses!

[@Vahagraphy]

Couldn't agree more! i love the 180 on a z9. Im going to do a 300 D AF with Z9 next. that lens is amazing

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Love your reviews V !, I really like how you get the old glass out and show the world how good Nikon glass is. There are so many hidden gems out that that still take excellent pictures!!! Rock and Roll.

[@felm.974]

Beautiful images and awesome video! 🔥😎🙌🏾

[@Vahagraphy]

thank you Fel. Appreciate it.

[@chris_harry]

Video segments are very artistic and cinematic with your 180mm f2.8 lens. Seems to be superb for stills or video, but I would love to see you make a high-end polished video with this lens and the Z9, even if it was just 3-5 minutes long.

[@andresluque4819]

Greetings from Montevideo!! By the way, great "Mate" and " Bombilla"

[@Vahagraphy]

Hey hey. Charrrua n . haha love to see my people watching my videos. I have great love for Uruguay.

[@nilofido411]

Beautiful lens, never managed to find a bargain second hand Af, I got the older Ai-s, got it from Grays, same optics, a real gem. My opinion on the video: IQ superb, image stabilisation if hand held good, if on tripod turn IBIS off as there is a slight wobble, I am knit picking here. Keep on rocking.....

[@slashmatt]

This is nice. I may give it a shot on my Nikons. The D200 ought to pair nicely.

[@bobamarmstrong]

I like those old lenses. The 180 2.8 is a wonderful lens. I have a 80-200 2.8 MK1 push-pull and the quality of construction is phenomenal (they don't make it like that nowadays, all metal). I like also the color, sharpness and bokeh. When I bought it, I tended to shoot at 2.8 all the times x) (newbie style). After that, I learned that it's best to close the aperture like F/3.5 or 4 to get a sharp image

[@TonyJohnsonPhotos]

Great lens. The 135mm f/2 is also a keeper. I like the one before DC...

[@epicdream]

I had the plastic version and it was the first Nikon telephoto lens that I owned. I used it for sports back in the 90’s and loved it until I got the 80-200 AFS. Thanks for the video.

[@ZoneTelevision]

That's actually quite impressive. In fact for some reason it almost appears clearer than many of the newer lenses.

[@Vahagraphy]

Isn't it. Such a gem. Unlocking the power of great glass.

[@ulfmoller8701]

Nice video! I have an older version of that lens. Coupled with my D4 it's excellent for face portraits. Very nice bokeh and color balance. I'm also aiming to try it on my Z50, looking forward to that!

[@mohandass3442]

old is gold now becomes really gold with z9

[@6hr0n05]

I have a first version 300mm f2.8 afs from 1996. I would be really interested in seeing how it performs using an ftz adapter on the z9.

[@Vahagraphy]

What does the badging look like on the lens. I know the II is an all gold one. If its an af-s would it AF fine with an FTZ? this is an answer only you can tell us when you get your camera . Someone told me it has issues but not to sure.

[@6hr0n05]

@@Vahagraphy I know it's af-s for a fact and it works well with my D850

[@kevingoza]

And I agree…manual focus is fun!

[@Vahagraphy]

Yes very fun.

[@clintonoxcjc]

Nice video. I have the same setup except on my lens the letters are in gold. On your video they appear silver. I was hoping autofocus would work on the Z9. The autofocus does work on the D810 and the D500.

[@Vahagraphy]

No AF on mirrorless with the non G or E lenses. howver still a gem to use. The lettering is faded gold. lol

[@clintonoxcjc]

@@Vahagraphy You're right the Z9 and the Nikon 180 f2.8 is a joy to use. I like the way the focus points show by lighting up.

[@Capcity44]

I have this lens, but I don’t get to use it much. I love it’s color rendering on skin. I have not tried it on my Z6. I wonder how it would look on your D3X.

[@kaminobatto]

Great video as usual, Vahagan! I miss the "all metal" lens era, and to be honest, this is why I love Chinese manufacturers like TTArtisan, 7Artisans, and Venus Optics to name a few. They have that same premium feel to them, and let's be honest again, the feeling of the gear adds a lot to the enjoyment you get out of using it. The 180mm AFn produces beautiful results. I might add one to my collection to have some fun with once I get my essential most-wanted list sorted.

[@RyanTroy]

amazing video i need something that distance for portraits

[@poniatowski3547]

I love my 180mm AFD, such an amazing lens and as you say - so damn portable!. Mine lives on my F5, but gets use on my F3 and Z6 (focus peaking is killer isn't it?) This lens alone would justify purchasing a FTZ adapter that allows screw drive lenses. Really enjoy your perspective. Great channel.

[@apstudios01]

I think it's a fantastic lens. Hoping the 85mm 1.2 S has some of the same characteristics. Another great video brother.

[@patricialegault7410]

So it’s not AF on the newer cameras? You need the Ftz and its manual focus?

[@Povilaswildlife]

nice video i thin about to getting 80-200 old 2.8 lens for z body its klass

[@artesorobaserria]

Great video! Congrats!! I have another gema, nikkor afd 200 f 4, and i would like to ser how It performs on z9!!

[@johnw.3636]

I have some awesome glass, but this one is still probably #1 for me.

[@Vahagraphy]

Hey John. Yes it renders beautifully and the bokeh is so nice and buttery. Might not be the sharpest wide open but who cares. Sharpness isn't everything. I sold allot of my F mount glass this year but this one I kept along with a few other older lenses like this.

[@tchouros]

I find manual focusing rather unpleasant, I don't know if my camera has a problem, but it seems that some "points" are harder than others when focusing manually... Perhaps because of the movement caused by the internal motor over time...

[@bngr_bngr]

I went thru several versions of the 180mm. Until I was spoiled by the 200mm 2.0.

[@Vahagraphy]

Yup. the 200 F2 is a gem. Never sell it.

[@da8ar]

Great video!

[@richardvandendobbelsteen1254]

I would like too see a review with The 180mm f/2,8 And The D3x?????

[@Vahagraphy]

Thanks for the feedback and now that I imagine the results from this cam and lens combo. I will do it. Im visioning a beautiful portrait session.

[@bigboi36]

Sweet as lens … always has been!

[@Vahagraphy]

Yes it is. I enjoy it,

[@garethwilliams976]

A great lens and love mine for performance, handling and build quality. Use it on film and DSLR buy not on mirrorless as I am not buying a camera whose lenses I cannot use on my DSLR and Nikon film bodies - just doesn't make sense to me. Great post though and backs up my theory that there has been little useful development in lens optics in the last 30 years except in resistance to flare with improved coating technology. It is all a bit of marketing puff - Does it need to get better if it is already as good as it needs to be? If you put as set of A3 prints on the wall and checked them at a sensible viewing distance (say 1.5x the diagonal) could you honestly pick the one taken with a camera of a mere 12mp or a lens from a top manufacturer made 40 years ago? I suspect not. Great to see you had no difficulty with manual focus (which I prefer) but sadly most AF lenses used manually have a really crude feel to them and the rotation from infinity to closest is far too short.

[@diveaddict6885]

Great lens 180mm 2.8 a lot of fashion photographers use that lens great boka

[@stradivarius1667]

I have D610 and i going to 80-200 .. good combo ?

[@Vahagraphy]

Great combo. Full frame, Nikon colors. amazing lens, you can't go wrong for the price you can get that combo these days.

[@travellogger5080]

First comment!

[@Vahagraphy]

Yes you are! :)

[@Blugatti3059]

I picked up this lens at bargain store for $50 dollars, because it was an old lens! However, I realized that it had clean glass. When I paired it with my Nikon D810, I was flabbergasted! I felt like I bought it for a steal price! Lol

[@Alex-B2357]

That massive hole at the rear element worries me

[@Vahagraphy]

on the 180? I think thats the way it is made.

[@52701970]

lol, not a vintage lens. it was discontinues a few years ago. nice review though.

[@Vahagraphy]

Yah , well, compared to the new Z glass. tis lens is vintage. haha sort of.

[@c141charlie]

Does anybody out there think Nikkor Z lenses are way too sharp? To the point of being unflattering.

[@j.m.gratton6000]

They're clinically perfect, but not artful imho.

[@makemystronger..freemegapi6800]

Only manual focus

[@Vahagraphy]

on video yes,

[@Vahagraphy]

sorry on Z system yes.