This refers to a specific model of camera lens manufactured by Nikon. It features a focal length of 180mm, a maximum aperture of f/2.8, and belongs to the AI-S (Aperture Indexing – Shutter priority) series of Nikon lenses. This lens is typically used for portraiture, sports, and wildlife photography where its telephoto reach and fast aperture provide advantages in isolating subjects and capturing images in lower light conditions.
The lens’s significance lies in its balance of optical quality, build construction, and relatively compact size for a telephoto prime lens. It offered a blend of sharpness, pleasing bokeh (background blur), and manageable weight, making it a popular choice for professional and amateur photographers alike during its production run and remains sought after in the used lens market. Its AI-S designation indicates compatibility with a wide range of Nikon film and early digital SLR cameras, ensuring its continued usability.