Legendary lens maker Carl Zeiss has confirmed that it will launch two Nikon F-mount interchangeable lenses designed to be compatible with Nikon?s film and digital SLRs.

The announcement confirms AP?s report of the expected launch of Nikon F-mount optics which we published before Christmas.

Due out in the spring – at prices yet to be announced ? the first lenses in the new ZF range will be the 50mm Planar T* f/1.4 and the 85mm Planar T* f/1.4.

Several more lenses in the ZF line-up will be launched later this year, according to Zeiss.

? Konica Minolta has announced that it will not be attending this year?s Focus on Imaging show in Birmingham. This is the second major camera manufacture to state that it will not be attending the annual event which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 26 February-1 March. Earlier this month Canon announced that it would also not be represented at the show ? an event which traditionally gives the UK public the chance to see the latest camera gear. Focus on Imaging coincides with the PMA trade show to be held in Orlando, Florida