In article , apolo@afsmail.cern.ch says...
>How many versions of Nikon AF 180 F2.8 ED lenses are there? How about the
>optical quality of the different versions? Also, how can I tell which
>version it is?

There has been only one optical version of the Nikkor AF 180,
but the aesthetics of the barrel (paint added) and width of the
focus ring were changed. It is one VERY excellent lens!
Hope This Helps