Who is SongRaw? - A Bold Entry with the Moonlit 50mm F1.2

Written By Samsul Alam Al-Majidi

A New Name, A Serious Statement

“Who is SongRaw?”

That’s probably the first question that comes to mind, and honestly, it’s a fair one.

SongRaw is one of the newest lens manufacturers emerging from China, but unlike many startups that begin with safer, budget-friendly lenses, SongRaw has chosen a completely different path. Their very first release is a full-frame autofocus 50mm F1.2 lens for Sony FE mount - a category that has only been dominated by giants like Sony and Sigma.

That alone tells you something:
this brand isn’t here to play small.

Moonlit 50mm F1.2

The Moonlit Philosophy

The name Moonlit isn’t just branding, it reflects intent.

SongRaw is building a series of ultra-fast lenses designed for extreme low-light performance. The idea is poetic: lenses bright enough to shoot under moonlight… maybe even starlight.

And honestly, with an F1.2 aperture, that idea isn’t far from reality.

ISO 3200, 1/400 s

Why 50mm F1.2 Matters

A 50mm F1.2 lens is not just another lens, it’s a creative tool.

  • Extremely shallow depth of field

  • Strong subject separation

  • Dreamy, cinematic bokeh

  • Exceptional low-light capability

This is why such lenses are often loved by portrait and street photographers, they create images that feel intimate, immersive, and emotionally rich.

Build & Handling - Big, Bold, and Premium

The SongRaw Moonlit 50mm F1.2 is unapologetically large.

  • Length: 129mm

  • Diameter: 90mm

  • Weight: 900g

It’s noticeably bigger and heavier than both the Sony and Sigma alternatives. But that size comes with purpose.

The lens is built using aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, giving it a premium, durable feel. The slightly textured (flocked) finish may not be everyone’s favorite aesthetically, but it’s practical, resistant to scratches and wear.

All three major competitors share a 72mm filter thread, so at least filters remain standard.

Real-world takeaway:
This is not a lens for minimalists. But if you value build quality and optical ambition over portability, it makes sense.

The lens feels quite premium in hand.

Pricing - The Disruptor

This is where SongRaw really makes noise.

  • SongRaw Moonlit 50mm F1.2 → $999

  • Sigma 50mm F1.2 → ~$1539

  • Sony 50mm F1.2 GM → ~$2298

It’s the most affordable autofocus 50mm F1.2 on Sony FE, and that’s a big deal.

But with that comes a question:
Can a new brand compete with industry giants at this level?

Autofocus - Accurate Over Aggressive

SongRaw uses an STM (stepping motor) with what they call closed-loop monitoring - essentially real-time focus correction.

In practice:

  • ✔️ Very good accuracy

  • ✔️ Smooth transitions (great for video)

  • ❌ Not the fastest in class

  • ❌ Not ideal for sports or fast action

Compared to:

  • Sony GM → quad linear motors (insanely fast)

  • Sigma → dual linear motors

…the SongRaw lens simply can’t match that level of speed.

But here’s the important part:

👉 For portraits, weddings, and street photography, autofocus performance is more than sufficient.

Quite sharp image at wide open in f1.2

Optical Performance - Where It Truly Shines

This is where the Moonlit 50mm F1.2 starts to justify its ambition.

Sharpness Breakdown

  • F1.2:

    • Center sharpness is already strong

    • Slight softness in corners

    • Dreamy rendering, great for portraits

  • F1.4 - F2:

    • Noticeable jump in sharpness

    • More contrast and clarity

    • Still retains beautiful bokeh

  • F2.8 - F4:

    • Excellent across the frame

    • Very sharp center and edges

  • F5.6 - F8:

    • Peak performance

    • Highly detailed, landscape-capable

Bokeh & Rendering

  • Smooth, creamy background separation

  • Natural falloff

  • Slightly artistic rendering rather than clinical sharpness

Color & Flare

  • Slight cool/magenta tone bias

  • Some flare issues when stopped down

This gives the lens a bit of character, something many photographers actually prefer over sterile perfection.

A bit of Character at wide open. - A wide-open shot (f1.2)

A stopped-down street shot (f5.6)

Strengths & Weaknesses

✅ Strengths

  • Most affordable AF 50mm F1.2

  • Strong optical performance

  • Beautiful bokeh

  • Premium build quality

  • Reliable autofocus accuracy

❌ Weaknesses

  • Heavy and large

  • AF not suited for action

  • Flare in certain conditions

  • Brand still unproven

Who Is This Lens For?

This lens is perfect for:

  • Portrait photographers

  • Street photographers (especially low-light shooters)

  • Wedding photographers

  • Creatives who love character over perfection

It is not ideal for:

  • Sports photographers

  • Travel minimalists

  • People who prioritize lightweight setups

The Future of SongRaw

SongRaw isn’t stopping here.

They’ve already hinted at an 85mm F1.2 Moonlit lens, which could become one of the first of its kind on Sony FE - depending on competition like Viltrox.

If they can:

  • Improve autofocus speed

  • Refine optical consistency

  • Build trust in reliability and support

…they could become a serious competitor in the premium lens market.

Right now, SongRaw is at the same stage Sigma once was years ago - big, bold, slightly imperfect, but full of potential.

Final Thoughts

The SongRaw Moonlit 50mm F1.2 is not just a lens - it’s a statement.

It tells us that new players are no longer afraid to challenge the top tier. And while it’s not perfect, it delivers where it matters most: image quality, creativity, and value.

For a first lens, this is incredibly impressive.

Samsul Alam Al-Majidi