SongRaw, a new Chinese manufacturer, is entering the race for autofocus lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras with an ambitious lens: the SongRaw AF 50 mm f/1.2 “Moonlit”. Available for Sony E, Nikon Z, and Leica L mounts, it aims to make an impression with its particularly bright aperture.
The world of photography remains a niche industrial sector and it’s rare for new manufacturers to emerge overnight. However, that’s precisely what the Chinese company SongRaw is attempting with its AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s completely normal, as this is their first product.
Unveiled at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, this lens is presented as the first Chinese 50 mm f/1.2 autofocus lens dedicated to full-frame sensors. A rare gem aiming to rival those of well-established photography giants.
Here is the list of features for the SongRaw AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit:
- Focal length: 50 mm (equivalent to 75 mm in APS-C)
- Lens type: Full-frame sensor lens
- Maximum aperture: f/1.2
- Minimum aperture: f/16
- Field of view: 47°
- Optical construction: 15 elements in 10 groups (including two aspherical lenses and 2 ED glass elements)
- Aperture diaphragm: Circular, 13 blades
- Minimum focusing distance: 52 cm
- Image stabilization: No
- Weather-sealing: N/A
- Maximum magnification: N/A
- Autofocus: STM motor
- Filter diameter: 72 mm
- Dimensions: N/A
- Weight: N/A
- Included accessories: Front and rear caps, lens hood
- Compatible mounts: E, Z, and L mounts
- Launch price: ≈ $1000
An Elaborate Optical Formula
The SongRaw AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit is designed around 15 elements arranged in 10 groups. The lens features 2 aspherical lenses and 2 ED glass elements. While details are still scarce, this formula is intended to minimize chromatic aberrations and reduce distortions.
On paper, this design appears similar to that of the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.2 GM. However, it would be surprising if SongRaw’s lens offers the same optical performance.
The bright f/1.2 aperture is achieved by a 13-blade circular diaphragm, promising a very pronounced background blur. The minimum focusing distance is 52 cm.
The autofocus is driven by a standard STM motor. According to SongRaw, this motorization should be compatible with all available AF modes, including various eye-tracking options. Additionally, the lens features an internal focusing system.
Price and Availability of the SongRaw AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit
The SongRaw AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit should be available for pre-order starting at the end of April 2025. Its price is expected to range between $950 and $1100. We do not yet know the price in euros, nor the availability of this lens in Europe.
Our First Impressions of the SongRaw AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit
The launch of a very bright autofocus lens is always interesting news. However, it comes with many unknowns that the Las Vegas presentation has yet to clarify.
For now, SongRaw remains completely unknown in the field – although we are very curious about the actual performance of this AF 50 mm f/1.2 Moonlit. It could be a very welcome alternative to the ultra-premium models from Sony or Nikon – and would even be unprecedented on the L mount.
While autofocus lenses with an f/1.2 aperture are few and far between, Chinese manufacturers, led by Viltrox, seem determined to make their mark in this area.
