SongRaw AF 85mm F1.2 MS

The SongRaw AF 85mm F1.2 MS is a full frame autofocus portrait prime with a maximum aperture of f/1.2. "MS" stands for "M-Simplify" and marks the silver version without an aperture ring that SongRaw sells in addition to the black Moonlit finish. It is offered for Sony E and Nikon Z, and a Leica L version is planned for later, according to CineD. The lens combines a very large aperture with an apochromatic optical design, as described by the maker.

Optical design

According to B&H and Dustin Abbott, the lens has 18 elements in 10 groups, including 5 extra-low dispersion elements, 11 high-refractive-index elements and one aspherical element. SongRaw describes the design as apochromatic. The diaphragm has 13 blades, the aperture runs from f/1.2 to f/16, and the closest focus distance is 85 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.13x. The CineD report says the glass and optical formula are the same as in the black Moonlit version.

Autofocus and handling

A stepping motor with closed-loop monitoring drives the autofocus, according to SongRaw. The barrel has an AF/MF switch and a function button. The MS version has no rotating aperture ring: the section where the ring would be is a fixed part of the barrel, and the aperture is set from the camera body. A USB-C connection allows firmware updates by copying a file to the lens. The lens has no image stabilization.

Build and size

The body is aerospace-grade aluminium, according to the maker. B&H gives 1120 g and an 86 mm filter thread. Dustin Abbott measured about 117 mm in diameter and 135 mm in length, which makes it very large for an 85 mm lens. A rubber gasket at the mount provides some sealing against dust and moisture. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions are listed with the same weight.

Where it fits

In the database, 85 mm f/1.2 options include the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm F1.2 S and the Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM for their own systems. For Sony E and Nikon Z, f/1.4 alternatives are the Viltrox AF 85mm F1.4 Pro (Sony E and Nikon Z), the Sirui Aurora 85mm F1.4 and the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II. The SongRaw is larger and heavier than all f/1.4 options, in exchange for the extra stop.

Pros and cons

Pros

• f/1.2 maximum aperture with 13 blades
• 18 elements with ED, high-refractive-index and aspherical glass
• Fn button, AF/MF switch and USB-C firmware updates
• Metal body with a sealed mount
• Offered for Sony E and Nikon Z

Cons

• Very large and heavy at 1120 g
• No aperture ring on the MS version
• STM motor, a single focus motor
• No image stabilization

Verdict

The SongRaw AF 85mm F1.2 MS is a large but comparatively affordable f/1.2 portrait lens. It suits portrait and event photographers who value the aperture and accept the size and the lack of an aperture ring.