180 F/2.8 AF - to buy or not to buy, that is the question

gustafson

Senior Member
I've wanted to buy this lens for a long time, and have an opportunity to pick a non-D version for a reasonable price. However, I'm hesitant to add another lens to my collection that might collect dust. I shoot DX, and have that focal length covered by 55-200 and 70-300 zooms, not to mention a manual focus 180 f/2.8 P-C. The 70-300 and a 300 prime (with or w/o TCs) also meet my long telephoto needs for birding and wildlife. Thus, wondering what niche the 180 might fill. The only things I can think of are shots of the kiddo (portrait headshots, sports, etc.), perhaps some street and landscape work. But thought I'd throw it out there and see what y'all suggest. Mainly looking to hear what 180 f/2.8 owners that use the lens on DX find it to be particularly suited for. Thanks in advance!
 

Woodyg3

Senior Member
Contributor
Unless you need the speed of the f/2.8, it seems like you are well covered in that range. I have never shot the 180, so I'll be interested if anyone here has and will speak up.
 

gustafson

Senior Member
Since you already have a manual focus 180 /f2.8 lens, I see little need for this lens unless you can't live without autofocus.

Good point! I like my pre-AI MF version after I CLA’d it, but it’s still a bit of a workout to turn the massive focus ring. I expect the AF version will be better from a usability standpoint, with the other possible pluses being ED glass and better meter-coupling.

Maybe I should shoot some more with the MF to see whether the lack of AF is an impediment to the type of shooting I do at that focal length. Thanks for bringing that up!




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hark

Administrator
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Super Mod
Contributor
I have the AF-D version of this lens. It's very sharp and light-weight. The rear area of the lens extends further into the camera body than normal lenses (and lacks rear glass), so it can't be used with a teleconverter. I have no regrets though. I knew all of this before I bought mine.
 

gustafson

Senior Member
I have the AF-D version of this lens. It's very sharp and light-weight. The rear area of the lens extends further into the camera body than normal lenses (and lacks rear glass), so it can't be used with a teleconverter. I have no regrets though. I knew all of this before I bought mine.

Shucks, didn’t realize it wasn’t TC-friendly. Thanks for pointing that out!


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gustafson

Senior Member
I caved in and acquired the lens Figured it would be relatively easy to resell without losing much money. Also, since one of my intended uses is for portraits of my kiddo, or documenting activities at school or playing outside, I reasoned that AF would be useful (even though the AF on this lens is supposedly glacial). Will report back on how it fares. Thank you for your input!


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Marcel

Happily retired
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Super Mod
I caved in and acquired the lens Figured it would be relatively easy to resell without losing much money. Also, since one of my intended uses is for portraits of my kiddo, or documenting activities at school or playing outside, I reasoned that AF would be useful (even though the AF on this lens is supposedly glacial). Will report back on how it fares. Thank you for your input!


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Yes, the AF on this one is not the fastest of the bunch... But it is sharp and light to carry.
 

hark

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I caved in and acquired the lens Figured it would be relatively easy to resell without losing much money. Also, since one of my intended uses is for portraits of my kiddo, or documenting activities at school or playing outside, I reasoned that AF would be useful (even though the AF on this lens is supposedly glacial). Will report back on how it fares. Thank you for your input!


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Yes, the AF on this one is not the fastest of the bunch... But it is sharp and light to carry.

It's a sleeper of a lens, but as Marcel mentioned, it's light and sharp. The metal hood is attached to the body and slides forward/backwards. It also has nice bokeh, so since you want to take portraits of your kiddo, you should be amazed! Enjoy and let us know how you like it.
 
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gustafson

Senior Member
It's a sleeper of a lens, but as Marcel mentioned, it's light and sharp. The metal hood is attached to the body and slides forward/backwards. It also has nice bokeh, so since you want to take portraits of your kiddo, you should be amazed! Looking at your signature, it doesn't seem as though you have anything quite this fast (f/2.8), and like I said, it has beautiful bokeh. Enjoy and let us know how you like it.

Thanks, Cindy!! I have an pre-AI MF 180 f/2.8 P.C., but I don’t use it very much. I’m hoping the AF version will give me more keepers of the kiddo in action, as well as closer-in bird and wildlife shots. 🤞At least that’s what I’m telling myself for now.


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Marcel

Happily retired
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Super Mod
Thanks, Cindy!! I have an pre-AI MF 180 f/2.8 P.C., but I don’t use it very much. I’m hoping the AF version will give me more keepers of the kiddo in action, as well as closer-in bird and wildlife shots. 爛At least that’s what I’m telling myself for now.


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Time will tell. For wildlife, it depends on how fast they move. For birds in flight, I suspect the AF won't fill the needs.
 
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