Pentax Pentax KF DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens Kit Review

The Pentax KF is a DSLR that feels like a time capsule. It's got a solid 24.2MP APS-C sensor and in-body stabilization that's genuinely great, landing in the 90th percentile. But everything else about it is stuck in the past, especially its ancient 11-point autofocus system.

If you're a Pentax fan who loves the optical viewfinder and wants a modern-ish sensor in an old-school body, this is your camera. For literally anyone else, there are better options. It's a niche product for a very specific kind of photographer.

The image quality from that sensor is good, and the IBIS is fantastic for keeping shots steady. But that's where the good news ends. The autofocus is in the 1st percentile, which means it's basically the worst you can buy today. It's slow and hunts in low light. The 6fps burst is okay, but the AF can't keep up with moving subjects. Video is a non-starter at 1080p, putting it in the bottom third of cameras.

Prices are all over the place, from $697 to $1144. At the very low end, it's a curiosity. For anything over $800, it's a hard sell. You're paying for a camera that's severely behind in two critical areas: autofocus and video. The included 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses add value, but they don't make up for the core weaknesses.

Stacked against its rivals, the KF struggles. The Fujifilm X-S20 or Sony a6400 run circles around it with modern autofocus, 4K video, and lighter bodies. Even Pentax's own K-3 Mark III is a far more capable DSLR, though it costs more. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is in a different league entirely. The KF only makes sense if you're deeply invested in Pentax lenses and refuse to switch systems.

Buy this only if you are a dedicated Pentax shooter who wants a simple, stills-focused DSLR and doesn't care about autofocus or video. For product photography, its good sensor and IBIS can work, but the AF might frustrate you. For everyone else—streamers, vloggers, hybrid shooters, or anyone who needs reliable focus—look at the Fujifilm X-S20 or a used Sony a6400 instead.