Nikon had a long history of success with their 180mm f/2.8 lenses. Countless historic pictures were shot with these lenses. The ED AIS version is the last and best model, with its own optical design and the benefit of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass making it the sharpest Nikon manual focus 180mm lens. This lens was the first telephoto to use ED glass (1980). Its use of ED glass is clearly identified on the exterior by a narrow gold ring on the exterior.

This is a compact and super-sharp telephoto lens. It has many uses ranging from sports, travel, portraits where flattening facial features is desired, and general landscape photography. As with all Nikon manual focus equipment this lens is finished to very high standards.