180mm f2.8
Version 1: Serial number onset 312011. Introduced with a non AI mount in the second half of 1970. Matte black finish with a broad hard rubber diamond pattern RIFR; large chrome, easy to grip, mounting grip ring; and a wide scalloped aperture setting ring.
Version 2: Serial number onset 350001. Approximately 1974, the RIFR adopted the "New Nikon Look" grip relief pattern and the aperture ring went to the double diamond pattern for a face lift. More important, the lens recieved the "Dot C" treatment signifying universal adoption of NIC coating an all lens element air to glass interfaces rather than on selected surfaces as had been the case earlier.
Version 3: Serial number onset 360001. Spring 1977 the aperture ring adopted the
AI coupling convention to couple with meters of the F2A, EL-2 and FM.
Version 4: Serial number onset 370001. First
AIS version. Featured a complete formula redesign of the lens's optics. Nikon's first application
ED glass (Nikon's trademark for
Extra low
Dispersion optical glass). Lens formula evolved from 5/4 (five elements in four groups) to 5/5 (five elements in five groups). Lens became slimmer, more compact and lost about 3oz in weight. Signifying the application of
ED glass, the lens is marked with a gold ring about the forward body and the
NIKKOR * ED designation as shown below.
Version 5: First
AF version (1lb 9oz [720g]). Optics underwent a complete rework and now composed of eight elements in six groups (8/6). This embodiment, which leaves some aesthetics to be desired, has a narrow manual focus ring that was complained about.
Version 6: Second
AF version ( is substantially more attractive cosmetically) 1lb 10oz.
Version 7 Substantially identical to version 6 but incorporates the "D" sophistication for flash photography.
