Yes, I know they are out there but some of them are giving me a heart attack. I am looking at the Nikon 200 mm f2 but that baby will take away $4,000. So I am looking at the Nikon 180 mm f2.8 and at $600 to $700 that is a lot more reasonable. So far that is my lens of choice right now.

I am using my Tamron Adaptall 200 mm f3.5. I love it and it is not even the SP version. I have a few zooms. I have the Tokina 80 to 200 mm f2.8 AF and the Canon 80 to 200 mm f2.8L IS.

Overall I don't like zoom lenses. I much rather carry a bag full of primes and run the risk of dirty sensor.

Is there any gem out there that I should be looking at? I don't mind manual focus but it has to be fast.

Oh yes I am also looking at the Tamron SP 300 mm adaptall and the price on that is not too bad.

I have Canon, Nikon, Pentax but something that fit the Nikon will be adequate because I can always use an adapter to my EOS bodies.

Oh I also have a busted up version of the Tamron 80 to 200 mm SP f2.8 Adaptall. My copy is only fair in optical quality. I guess that's why I got it as a bargain.;-)

I want something that is sharp wide open (don't we all).

Leica R is fine but they are expensive and only fit my Canon. Won't fit my Nikons. I don't know what some of the older Zeiss has.

Thanks in advance for all your thoughts.

There is the Nikon 200mm f/2 AIS, which fits the bill perfectly. Especially since you want Nikon mount capability as well. It's supposed to be a very good lens.

If only I can find one.;-)

Be patient, you will find a Nikkor 200mm f/2 AIS for around 1600 or under.

Thank you. I will be patient. I don't think my wallet will let me do otherwise.;-)

HansenTsang wrote:
Is there any gem out there that I should be looking at? I don't mind manual focus but it has to be fast.
...
I want something that is sharp wide open (don't we all).

Leica R is fine but they are expensive and only fit my Canon. Won't fit my Nikons. I don't know what some of the older Zeiss has.

Based on many Alt postings, I would prefer the Summicron-R 180 but, instead, make do with a classic from the CZ Contax line. My copy at $2000 might even have fit your budget. Downside: poor background bokeh, rare.

I am still doing research. As much as I dislike big bulky zoom the 200 mm f2 Ais is as big if not bigger than the 70 to 200 mm f2.8D VR AF-s. That makes the 70 to 200 mm very attractive especially with the VR feature.

Seems like the 180 mm f2.8D VR AF is the most affordable. I best go do some research on the Nikon forum about that zoom.;-)

The 200mm F2 would be the perfect lens...also you may consider a the 300mm F2.8 AI also...

I did a little bit of looking and background info before I purchased mine....

For the Nikkor 200mm F2: You want to get an IF-ED-N version....serial #'s between 200015 - 201768 it has the gel holder and a built in extra protection lens in front of the front ED element....the older ones are just a good..however you have the screw in filters...any of the manual 200-F2's will cost about the same....

Robert's on Ebay
I have purchased two lenses from them one on ebay an one not....what they show is acurate...you can also get them to send you extra pictures.....I picked up mine for around the same price they have there's listed.

On the Nikkor 300mm F2.8....I would stick with one of the two AI-S versions.....from what I read you will be happier with the performance with this lens...1st version serial #'s 609032 - 614676 focuses to 4m or 13.3ft....this means you have to be standing at least 14 feet away from the subject...mine is this version...and this is really the only down side to this version of the lens.... 2nd version serial #'s 620307 - 627540 focuses to 3m or 9.8ft you have to be 10ft away with this version....just a little nicer when shooting....I would not get rid of mine unless I could trade it even for the second version....

Nikkor 300mm F2.8 Ebay Same version as mine...
I have seen this seller often bided on one of his lenses but did not win it...

So for the half of the price of the Nikkor 200mm F2 VR you can get both lenses....

I will include some shots that I have done in the last few months with my lenses....

Shot with the Nikkor 200mm F2 on a Sigma SD14 with Nikon F mount adapter....






The Nikkor 300mm F2.8 on a D100 converted with LifePixel Standard IR filter....






The 180mm F2.8 is a great lens....however if you do not mind spending 2x to get the 200mm F2 ED or 300mm F2.8 you will not be disappointed....

This is a good information site about the various Nikkor lenses.....
Good Info on Nikkor Lenses

Hope this helps you out a little bit...

Tony C.

Thank you. I did look on the Nikon forum and check out the 200 mm f2.0. That front element is HUGE! I would never justify that lens for the type of photography I do. Except for the fact that it is nice to have one in the collection.

Right now the 180 mm f2.8 is winning out in size. Besides I can really use the 180 focal length. If I want more reach I will just stick it on my D300.

I also looked at the 70 to 200 mm zoom. I already have the Canon 70 to 200 mm f2.8L so I don't need a Nikon equivalent.

Oh yes the 200 mm f2.0 is tempting.

Is there a Kiron 200 mm from the old days that is really good?

The AIS 180mm f/2.8 ED is supposed to be a great piece of glass. Look into it. It's manual focus, but oh well

Thank you. I am looking into all the options. There is an AF version for the 180 mm f2.8D ED I am looking at also. All the 180's are smaller and lighter than the 200 mm f2 and the 70 to 200 mm zoom.

If your considering a 180mm f2.8 why not save yourself a $1000 or more and get P6 Carl Zeiss 180mm f2.8 "Olympic" Sonnar, with a P6-M42 adapter.
Its reknowned for its great bokeh.

AIS 180 2.8 is.. GREAT!

I have had this lens for a few weeks now, and it is hard to see the difference between 2.8 and 8.0, and that is not beacause it is soft at 8.0... :P Amazing detail and I love the way it renders!

The Nikkor 180/2.8 should be much cheaper than $6-700 unless you're buying new. USED AF-D's are usually around $500 and the Ai-S half that. $6-700 is almost 300/2.8 AI-S territory.

Alf Beharie wrote:
If your considering a 180mm f2.8 why not save yourself a $1000 or more and get P6 Carl Zeiss 180mm f2.8 "Olympic" Sonnar, with a P6-M42 adapter.
Its reknowned for its great bokeh.

Err? The Nikon 180ED is typically no more than $50-100 more than the P6 and can often be had for similar money now that the P6 can't be had for spare change.

If you are willing to give up some speed, the CV 180/4 APO in Nikon mount is VERY small and exceptionally sharp. $550 for new old stock at CameraQuest, less if used.

I just purchased a like new Nikon 180 ED AIS, boxed for $275 USD. That of course is the manual focus version, with gold stripe. I owned one many years ago-when new. I found this one two weekends ago, at a Philadelphia camera trade show. Iam using it a 30D, with adapter. Beautiful results. I have a D300 coming in from the B/S board.
Cheers
Harry