SongRaw Moonlit Simplified Lenses Cut Price of f/1.2 Primes

Darryl Lara Administrator

Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

View all articles

By Darryl Lara

• 

Last updated 04/27/2026

SongRaw has announced a new “Simplified Edition” of its Moonlit ultra-fast primes, offering a lower-cost entry point into its f/1.2 lineup.

The updated versions of the AF 50mm f/1.2 and AF 85mm f/1.2 were shown at NAB Show 2026, with the company positioning them as more accessible alternatives that retain the same optical performance.

What’s Changed in the Simplified Edition?

The biggest difference is the price—and how SongRaw got there.

According to the company, the Simplified Edition removes the physical aperture ring, meaning aperture control is now handled directly through the camera body. The lenses are also only available in a silver finish, rather than the black option offered on the original models.

They’re also slightly lighter, with around 100 grams shaved off compared to their standard counterparts.

Same Optics, Different Approach

Importantly, SongRaw says the optical design remains unchanged.

That means the same glass elements, coatings, and overall rendering are carried over from the original Moonlit lenses—something that should matter more to most photographers than the external changes.

The 50mm f/1.2 uses a 15-element, 10-group design with two aspherical elements, while the 85mm f/1.2 features a more complex 18-element, 10-group layout that includes one aspherical, five ED, and multiple high-refractive elements.

Both lenses use a 13-blade aperture for smoother bokeh.

Autofocus and Build

Autofocus is driven by an STM motor, with support for eye detection and subject tracking on compatible cameras.

Build quality also appears to remain largely unchanged. The lenses use aerospace-grade aluminum construction, include weather sealing, and feature a USB-C port for firmware updates.

Mount Options

The Simplified Edition lenses will be available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts at launch, with L-mount versions expected to follow later.

Pricing and Availability

The AF 50mm f/1.2 Moonlit Simplified Edition is priced at $550, while the AF 85mm f/1.2 comes in at $650. For comparison, the original versions are priced at $999 and $1,299, respectively, putting the Simplified models at roughly 55% to 65% less.

Shipping is expected to begin between Q2 and Q3 2026.

With the Simplified Edition, SongRaw is clearly trying to make fast f/1.2 glass more accessible—trimming back some physical features while keeping the core optical performance intact.