Steve Lalley wrote in article <341755E0.8E0@stat.purdue.edu>...
[about the Nikkor 180mm f2.8 AF...]

> (1) Can this lens be used with teleconverters? If so, which ones?

Of the Nikkor converters, only TC14A both fits and produces high
image quality at wider stops - the TC200/201 fits, but requires
considerable stopping down for good image quality. The glass is
deeply recessed in this lens, but a rear mask prevents the fitting
of the potentially better-performing long-lens Nikkor converters,
unfortunately.

> (2) Is a tripod collar necessary, or is it small enough that the camera
> can be mounted directly on a tripod?

There is no problem resulting from the lack of a tripod mount on
the 180mm.
Hope This Helps
David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether