SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 FE Review: A Fast AF Portrait Lens That Challenges Sony GM and Sigma
SongRaw is one of the newer Chinese lens manufacturers to enter the full-frame autofocus market, and the SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 FE is one of its most ambitious products. Rather than competing directly with the large number of 85mm f/1.4 lenses already available, SongRaw chose a more distinctive specification: 85mm, f/1.2 and autofocus for Sony E-mount.
That combination immediately makes the lens interesting. The question, however, is not simply whether an 85mm f/1.2 can produce more background blur than an 85mm f/1.4. The more important question is whether SongRaw can deliver optical performance good enough to compete with established lenses such as the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM and Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art.
Based on the CameraLab test material, the answer is surprisingly positive.
The SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 is extremely sharp in the center, produces genuinely useful f/1.2 light transmission, and delivers a distinctive rendering style. However, its weaknesses are also clear: the lens is large, the silver finish is easy to scratch, edge bokeh can show noticeable cat-eye deformation, and flare resistance is not at the level of the Sony GM.
For photographers looking for maximum aperture and a more distinctive rendering rather than simply the smallest or most refined 85mm lens, the SongRaw is a fascinating option.
SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 FE: Key Specifications
| Specification | SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 FE |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Full-frame portrait prime |
| Focal length | 85mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Sony E-mount version tested |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| AF motor | STM |
| Optical construction | 18 elements in 10 groups* |
| Aperture blades | 13 |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.85m* |
| Maximum magnification | 0.13x* |
| Filter size | 86mm |
| Camera compatibility | Full-frame mirrorless |
| Body material | Aluminum construction |
| Tested weight | Approximately 1,160g |
| Firmware port | USB-C |
| Main use | Portrait, wedding, low-light, commercial photography |
*Published specifications can vary between early announcements and later versions. Public reports have listed different optical configurations and weights, so CameraLab gives priority to the characteristics of the tested lens rather than treating early specifications as definitive.
The lens was initially announced for Sony E, Nikon Z and Leica L systems, with Sony E among the first available versions.
1. SongRaw: A New Player in the 85mm f/1.2 Market
SongRaw is a relatively young Chinese optical manufacturer. The brand’s earliest publicly indexed products appeared only around 2025, making it considerably younger than Sony, Sigma or Zeiss in the interchangeable-lens market.
The company’s initial strategy is interesting. Instead of entering the crowded 85mm f/1.4 market, SongRaw introduced a faster 85mm f/1.2. That gives the lens an immediate point of differentiation.
This is important because the Sony E-mount market already has numerous 85mm f/1.4 options. A new manufacturer would have a much harder time establishing itself with another conventional f/1.4 lens.
The f/1.2 specification gives SongRaw a reason to exist. And at the center of the CameraLab evaluation, this is where the lens makes the strongest argument for itself.
2. Design and Build Quality
The SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 FE is not a compact portrait lens. At approximately 1,160g in the CameraLab test, it is a substantial piece of glass. Mounted on a full-frame Sony body, the combination immediately feels like professional portrait equipment rather than a lightweight everyday prime.
For comparison, the physical presence is noticeably larger than the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM and Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art.
The large size is understandable. An 85mm f/1.2 lens requires considerably more glass than an f/1.4 design.
The 86mm filter
One of the practical consequences of this design is the 86mm filter thread. That is significantly less convenient than the 77mm filter size used by lenses such as the Sony 85mm GM and Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN.
For photographers who already own a collection of 77mm filters, this means purchasing another filter system or using step-up/step-down solutions.
For wedding and commercial photographers who frequently use ND, diffusion or UV filters, this is something worth considering before buying.
3. The Silver Finish Looks Excellent — But It Is Easy to Scratch
The silver version tested by CameraLab has an attractive appearance and gives the lens a distinctive visual identity. However, the finish has one significant weakness: it scratches relatively easily.
During real-world use at a wedding, contact between the lens and metallic parts of a camera strap resulted in visible scratches almost immediately. This is not an optical problem, but it is an important practical observation. A lens costing this much should ideally retain its finish after normal professional use. Photographers who frequently work at weddings, events or in crowded environments may want to take extra care with the silver version.
4. Controls and Ergonomics
The control layout is relatively simple.
The lens includes:
- AF/MF switch
- Focus-hold button
- USB-C firmware port
- Large manual focus ring
- Front filter thread
- Lens hood
One notable difference is that the silver version tested does not have an aperture ring, while the black version is reported to include one.
This creates an interesting distinction between the two versions. The focus-hold button can be customized through the camera body, while the USB-C port allows firmware updates without requiring an external dock. The overall design is functional rather than sophisticated. Compared with the Sony GM and Sigma Art lenses, the SongRaw feels more traditional.
5. Autofocus: The Most Important Question for an f/1.2 Lens
An 85mm f/1.2 lens has an extremely shallow depth of field. That means autofocus performance is not a secondary feature. It is fundamental to whether the lens is actually useful.
SongRaw uses an STM autofocus system, with later product information describing a stepping-motor system with real-time position tracking and closed-loop monitoring. The manufacturer also lists eye-recognition AF support.
In practical terms, the existence of AF makes the SongRaw dramatically more useful than a manual-focus 85mm f/1.2.
For portraits, weddings and commercial photography, being able to combine f/1.2 rendering with Sony’s subject-detection AF is a major advantage.
6. f/1.2 vs f/1.4: Is the Extra Third of a Stop Real?
This is one of the most interesting parts of the CameraLab test. The answer is yes.
Using the same shutter speed and ISO, the SongRaw at f/1.2 produced a visibly brighter image than the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM. The difference was particularly noticeable around the center of the frame.
The same trend appeared when comparing the SongRaw against the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN. Even when the SongRaw was stopped down to f/1.4, its test images remained slightly brighter in the comparison. This is important because the f/1.2 specification is not merely marketing.
What does f/1.2 give you?
The extra aperture provides:
- More light in low-light environments
- Lower ISO at the same shutter speed
- Shallower depth of field
- Stronger subject separation
- A distinctive portrait rendering
For wedding photographers shooting indoors, evening portraits or receptions, that extra light can be genuinely useful.
7. Sharpness: The Biggest Surprise
If there is one area where the SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 makes a strong impression, it is center sharpness. CameraLab’s testing showed very high center-frame sharpness even at f/1.2.
This is particularly impressive because f/1.2 is often where fast portrait lenses sacrifice some sharpness to achieve a more attractive rendering.
SongRaw takes a different approach. At the center, the lens is already extremely detailed wide open.
SongRaw vs Sony 85mm F1.4 GM
At f/1.2 versus f/1.4, the SongRaw produced noticeably stronger center detail in the CameraLab comparison. The Sony GM is still a very capable lens, but its strength is not simply maximum center resolution.
The SongRaw demonstrates that a relatively new Chinese manufacturer can produce a very competitive optical design.
SongRaw vs Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN
This comparison is much closer. Sigma’s 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art is already known for high sharpness, and the SongRaw does not simply destroy it. Instead, the two lenses are surprisingly close around the center of the image.
This is arguably the most impressive result of the test: a $1.2K-class SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 can compete optically with Sigma’s highly regarded 85mm f/1.4 design.
8. Bokeh: Where the Sony GM Still Has the Advantage
Sharpness is only half the story for an 85mm portrait lens. Bokeh is arguably just as important.
Here, the Sony 85mm F1.4 GM remains the benchmark in this comparison. The GM produces very smooth and rounded out-of-focus highlights, particularly toward the edges of the frame.
The SongRaw can produce attractive bokeh, especially at f/1.2, but its highlights become more noticeably cat-eye shaped toward the edges. This is especially visible with point-light sources.
Bokeh ranking from the CameraLab test
1. Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM
2. SongRaw 85mm F1.2
3. Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
4. Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
This ranking is not an absolute laboratory measurement. It reflects the visual character observed in the supplied CameraLab test material.
The SongRaw’s advantage is that f/1.2 creates stronger background separation.
The Sony’s advantage is that its out-of-focus highlights are generally more controlled and rounded.
9. Why the SongRaw Bokeh Still Looks Good
Despite the cat-eye effect, the SongRaw has an important advantage: f/1.2. At close portrait distances with a distant background, the combination of 85mm and f/1.2 produces substantial background compression and blur.
In many real-world photographs, the difference between the SongRaw and Sony GM becomes much less obvious.
CameraLab’s close-distance comparisons showed that the rendering between the f/1.2 SongRaw and f/1.4 lenses can become surprisingly similar when the background is sufficiently distant.
This is why specifications alone cannot determine the aesthetic quality of a portrait lens.
10. Flare Resistance
Flare performance is another area where Sony has the advantage. When shooting toward strong light sources, the Sony 85mm F1.4 GM maintained better contrast and flare control.
The SongRaw showed more visible flare at f/1.2. However, there is an interesting counterpoint. Even when flare appeared, the SongRaw retained a surprisingly good amount of detail in bright areas.
So the result is not simply:
SongRaw = bad flare performance.
A more accurate conclusion is: Sony GM has better flare resistance, while SongRaw can still preserve useful image detail when flare occurs.
For controlled studio lighting, this difference may not matter much. For backlit weddings, outdoor portraits and direct sunlight, it matters more.
11. Color Rendering
The CameraLab comparison also revealed differences in color rendering. The SongRaw and Sigma images appeared relatively close in overall color character, while the Sony GM could appear somewhat cooler in the comparison.
These differences should not be interpreted as one lens being objectively “better.” Modern RAW files can be extensively adjusted. What matters more is consistency and how the lens responds to strong color grading.
For photographers who prefer a neutral starting point, the SongRaw’s rendering is quite usable.
12. Optical Character vs Clinical Sharpness
This is where the SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 becomes interesting. The lens is not simply trying to produce the most technically perfect image possible.
It combines: Very high center sharpness + f/1.2 light transmission + strong subject separation + some optical character.
That combination can be more attractive for portrait photography than a perfectly corrected lens. The Sony GM remains more refined in areas such as bokeh and flare control. But the SongRaw can produce images with a slightly more distinctive character.
13. SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 vs Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM
| Feature | SongRaw 85mm F1.2 | Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Center sharpness | Excellent | Very good |
| Bokeh | Very good | Excellent |
| Edge cat-eye | More noticeable | Better controlled |
| Flare resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Low-light performance | Advantage | Very good |
| Filter | 86mm | 77mm |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Weight | ~1,160g tested | Lighter |
| Rendering | Characterful | More refined |
| Professional build | Good | Excellent |
| Value | Strong | Premium |
Verdict
If your priority is optical refinement, the Sony remains the safer choice.
If your priority is f/1.2, maximum subject separation and value, SongRaw becomes extremely compelling.
14. SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 vs Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art
| Feature | SongRaw 85mm F1.2 | Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.4 |
| AF | Yes | Yes |
| Center sharpness | Excellent | Excellent |
| Bokeh | Very good | Very good |
| Flare | Good | Very good |
| Low light | Advantage | Very good |
| Filter | 86mm | 77mm |
| Size/weight | Larger/heavier | More practical |
| Price | Competitive | Competitive |
| Overall versatility | Very good | Excellent |
The Sigma is arguably the more balanced lens.
It offers excellent sharpness, a more manageable size and weight, and very strong overall optical performance. But the SongRaw gives you something Sigma doesn’t: f/1.2.
15. SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 vs Zeiss Batis 85mm F1.8
The Batis is a completely different proposition. It is significantly smaller and lighter, but it sacrifices two stops of maximum aperture compared with the SongRaw.
The Batis also has an older optical design and, in the CameraLab comparison, its bokeh showed noticeable cat-eye deformation.
- For photographers prioritizing portability, the Batis still makes sense.
- For maximum background separation, the SongRaw is in another category.
16. Who Should Buy the SongRaw 85mm f/1.2?
Portrait photographers
This is the obvious target. The 85mm focal length combined with f/1.2 is a classic portrait combination.
The lens can produce:
- Strong subject separation
- Soft backgrounds
- High center detail
- Excellent low-light capability
Wedding photographers
This may actually be one of the most interesting applications.
Wedding photographers often need:
- Fast aperture
- AF
- Strong subject separation
- Good performance indoors
- High resolution
- Distinctive rendering
The SongRaw checks most of these boxes.
The main concern is its weight.
A 1.16kg portrait lens becomes noticeable after several hours of wedding coverage.
Commercial portrait photography
The extremely high center sharpness makes the SongRaw suitable for commercial portrait work where facial detail is important.
However, photographers working under controlled lighting may prefer the Sony GM because of its more predictable flare behavior and refined rendering.
17. Who Should Not Buy It?
The SongRaw is probably not the best choice if your main priority is:
- Minimum weight
- Compact travel setup
- Perfect edge bokeh
- Maximum flare resistance
- A mature professional lens ecosystem
The 86mm filter and large physical size also increase the cost of accessories.
18. CameraLab Verdict
The SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 is an unusually ambitious lens from a relatively young manufacturer.
What makes it interesting is not simply the f/1.2 specification.
The bigger achievement is that SongRaw has managed to combine:
- Autofocus
- Full-frame coverage
- 85mm focal length
- f/1.2 aperture
- Extremely strong center sharpness
- Competitive pricing
into one product.
The lens is not perfect.
The Sony 85mm F1.4 GM remains better in bokeh quality, flare resistance and overall refinement.
The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN remains a more balanced choice for photographers who value size, weight and all-round performance.
But if you specifically want an 85mm f/1.2 AF lens for Sony E-mount, SongRaw has created something genuinely compelling.
The most important conclusion from the CameraLab testing is this:
SongRaw does not win because it is cheap. It wins because the optical performance is much better than the price and brand reputation might suggest.
That makes the SongRaw 85mm f/1.2 one of the more interesting third-party portrait lenses in the Sony E-mount ecosystem.
CameraLab Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Optical sharpness | 9/10 |
| Center sharpness at f/1.2 | 9.5/10 |
| Bokeh | 8/10 |
| Flare resistance | 7.5/10 |
| Autofocus | 8/10 |
| Build quality | 8/10 |
| Handling | 7.5/10 |
| Low-light performance | 9.5/10 |
| Value for money | 9/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 |
CameraLab verdict: Highly Recommended for photographers who specifically want an affordable AF 85mm f/1.2.