Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED vs Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD [IF] Macro 1:1

Pick the Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED if

• You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/2.8 vs f/3.5)
• You want a compact lens: 138 mm vs 166 mm long
• Our notes say it suits: Portraits, sports on film, adapted use on Z

Pick the Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD [IF] Macro 1:1 if

• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.47 m vs 1.8 m

Our notes

Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED

A manual-focus 180mm f/2.8 with ED glass, a built-in hood and a 72mm filter thread, introduced in 1981. It weighs about 880g and focuses to 1.8m.

Pros

• ED glass
• f/2.8 aperture
• Built-in hood
• Solid metal build

Cons

• Manual focus only
• Heavy at 880g
• Minimum focus of 1.8m

Our notes

Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di LD [IF] Macro 1:1

This 180mm f/3.5 full-frame macro lens from Tamron fits Nikon F mount cameras, from the Tamron SP series. It is intended for close-up work with small subjects such as flowers and insects.