If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a premium F1.2 prime lens without spending flagship-level money, the SongRaw 50mm F1.2 may have caught your eye.
This brand-new lens from emerging manufacturer SongRaw promises professional-grade optics, smooth autofocus, and a beautiful 13-blade bokeh design. All at a far more approachable price than industry giants.
Let’s see if this newcomer truly delivers on its “Moonlit” promise.
Introduction to the SongRaw AF 50mm F1.2 Moonlit
The SongRaw 50mm F1.2 AF (often called the Moonlit) is a full-frame, autofocus, bright-aperture lens available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount systems.
At F1.2, it joins an elite class of ultra-fast primes, but its true appeal lies in being one of the most affordable autofocus lenses of its kind.
Its goal?
Deliver the cinematic look of an F1.2 aperture, with modern autofocus performance and build quality, for a new generation of hybrid shooters.
Build, Design & Handling
At first glance, the SongRaw 50mm F1.2 looks like a premium piece of gear.
Its metal barrel, engraved markings, and dedicated aperture ring (with click/de-click option for video shooters) give it a professional feel.
There’s also an AF/MF switch on the barrel, and while the lens lacks optical stabilization, most modern full-frame bodies offer excellent in-body stabilization (IBIS) to compensate.
Weight is substantial, around 900 g, which makes it more comparable to Sigma’s F1.2 Art than Sony’s GM. However, the handling feels balanced on a full-frame body such as the Sony A7IV or A7RV.
Optical Performance & Image Quality
The lens’s F1.2 aperture immediately stands out. It produces stunning separation between subject and background, ideal for portrait and low-light photography.
Thanks to its 13-blade circular diaphragm, the bokeh is beautifully smooth, with soft transitions and minimal “onion ring” artifacts.
My test shots show:
- Excellent center sharpness even wide open
- Slight softening at edges at F1.2, improving significantly by F2
- Controlled chromatic aberrations, especially for a new-brand optic
- Minimal distortion and decent flare control
It’s fair to say the SongRaw 50mm F1.2 holds its own optically, even against lenses that cost nearly twice as much.
Autofocus & Real-World Usage
The lens features an STM (stepping motor) autofocus system, compatible with eye-tracking and face detection on supported camera bodies. Autofocus performance is quiet, accurate, and smooth for stills, while video users will appreciate its minimal focus breathing.
In real-world conditions:
- Portraits: I managed to take some nice street portraits with lovely rendering
- Low light: The F1.2 aperture enables ISO-friendly shooting
- Street & lifestyle: Not that heavy for all-day use, but delivers a good look
No optical stabilization (OIS) is built in, so pair it with a body featuring IBIS for best handheld results.
Pricing, Availability & Mount Options
The SongRaw 50mm F1.2 Moonlit retails for around USD $999, depending on market and mount. You can check the official product page for the latest pricing and stock status on SongRawLens.com.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
Pros:
- Bright F1.2 aperture for creative depth and low-light shooting
- 13-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh
- Autofocus performance
- Competitive price for its class
Cons:
- A bit heavy for a 50mm prime
- No optical stabilization
- Brand-new company (long-term reliability unproven)
- Slight vignetting wide open
Best For:
Portrait photographers, street shooters, and content creators who love shallow-depth cinematic looks and don’t mind a bit of heft.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the SongRaw 50mm F1.2
- Use eye-AF when shooting wide open because depth of field is razor-thin.
- Pair with IBIS-equipped bodies (like Sony A7IV or Nikon Z6 II).
- For handheld video, switch to manual aperture control for smoother exposure transitions.
- Add 72 mm ND or CPL filters for outdoor daylight shooting.
- Stop down to f/2–f/2.8 for maximum sharpness and minimal vignetting.
Final Verdict
The SongRaw 50mm F1.2 AF Moonlit is an exciting statement piece, both from SongRaw and for photographers seeking premium optical performance without the premium brand markup.
It may not dethrone Sony’s GM or Sigma’s Art lenses in every metric, but it comes impressively close. If you’re adventurous enough to try a new brand and crave that magical F1.2 bokeh, the SongRaw 50mm F1.2 is worth serious consideration.
I recorded a quick POV review. Enjoy.