My girlfriend owns the 180 f2,8ED AF-D(n). I had the pleasure to use th elens last sunday and all I can say is that even if it doesn't have the fastest AF, AF performance is still good enough to cover some moving subjects. I tried running dogs and it worked fine.
The lens is (when you buy a good copy) sharp, contrasty, with a slightly amber color cast.
I bought an early AF model of the same lens some years ago and found that it lacks contrast and had a blue color cast. As it turned out it had quite a bit of fungus on one of the inner lens elements (I believe the one right behind the front glass). I was able to return the lens for a full refund. I would recommend this lens any time someone asks whether or not they should buy it. Doubly so if you can get it for a good price.