Some nature shots with the Pentax KF

nerwin · Saturday at 9:29 PM

Just wanted to share a few nature photos I took today after getting the Pentax KF using the 18-55 WR kit lens. First digital photos (besides my phone or that toy camera) since July 2024.

slat · Sunday at 7:22 AM

Nice set.

smoke665 · Sunday at 7:45 AM

The 18-55 kit lens isn't a bad lense but it isn't great either. I keep a SMC DA 18-135 on the K3II as my walkaround kit, great colors, bokeh, and that little extra reach that comes in handy.

nerwin · Sunday at 7:52 AM

smoke665 said:
The 18-55 kit lens isn't a bad lense but it isn't great either. I keep a SMC DA 18-135 on the K3II as my walkaround kit, great colors, bokeh, and that little extra reach that comes in handy.

I should have bought the body only and got that little 35 2.4 instead. If I was to keep the camera, I'd just buy their limited 20-40 2.8-4 WR and probably be good enough for me. But I didn't want to buy extra lens just to test the camera with at first although I would have had a better experience. I'm just really used mirrorless and EVFs now, it's hard going backwards!

terri · Sunday at 12:05 PM

These look just fine! A better lens might change your mind about keeping the camera - but these aren't bad at all. More than adequate test shots.
It's more about getting a feel for the camera at this stage - you can always pick a lens that will suit you better down the road.

nerwin · Sunday at 12:12 PM

Finding it hard to reconnect with photography. I have 30 days to return so I can play around with it for now but I am finding it too small for my hands though.

21limited · Monday at 9:12 AM

The 20-40 is highly recommended. The 18-55 is good enough, if you don't like the images, you probably won't change your mind with a better lens. It's just not that bad. As above, the 18-135 is my current choice, I've sold 3 18-55s. But it was more about conveniences than IQ. Looking for an all-purpose type lens for that camera? Try the DA 16-85, unless you need ƒ2.8.

There is definitely something unique about those images. I just can't be bothered with film myself. I've developed a shooting style not suited to film.

nerwin · Monday at 9:23 AM

21limited said:
The 20-40 is highly recommended. The 18-55 is good enough, if you don't like the images, you probably won't change your mind with a better lens. It's just not that bad. As above, the 18-135 is my current choice, I've sold 3 18-55s. But it was more about conveniences than IQ. Looking for an all-purpose type lens for that camera? Try the DA 16-85, unless you need ƒ2.8.

There is definitely something unique about those images. I just can't be bothered with film myself. I've developed a shooting style not suited to film.

It's hard for me because I'm so used to full frame and having fast lenses. This is a drastic change. You're right, I probably won't change my mind with a different lens. Perhaps I'd like to just use manual focus and use vintage lenses on it. The camera is great no doubt, I just don't have the photography bug anymore and that's okay

One thing I will say...the battery life is terrible. I got maybe 120 photos before it drained. That's the worst I've ever experienced thus far with any camera. I'm sure others get more, I think it's rated for around 450. I have everything turned off too besides IBIS.

4rum · Tuesday at 4:27 AM

Good shots and good info on the camera.

smoke665 · Tuesday at 6:28 AM

nerwin said:
One thing I will say...the battery life is terrible. I got maybe 120 photos before it drained. That's the worst I've ever experienced thus far with any camera. I'm sure others get more, I think it's rated for around 450. I have everything turned off too besides IBIS.

Did it come with the Pentax D-LI90 battery or a 3rd party. I have to remember to charge mine as they last for days. An early K30 came with 3rd party batteries I remember the life on those wasn't great.

nerwin · Tuesday at 6:34 AM

smoke665 said:
Did it come with the Pentax D-LI90 battery or a 3rd party. I have to remember to charge mine as they last for days. An early K30 came with 3rd party batteries I remember the life on those wasn't great.

Well it's brand new, so I assume its a legit battery lol.

Says Pentax D-LI 109 with a serial number of 202210 so I'm assuming its from October 2022. The camera was on base firmware too, updated it to the latest.

I ordered it from Amazon and the box literally had dust on it, its as if it was sitting on the shelf for years haha.

franks641sub · Tuesday at 2:36 PM

I shoot a k5iis, love it. Also shoot mainly vintage glass. This is from my smc 50mm macro 2.8. I'd love to get hold of a KF. I do use a bg4 grip, but I get more battery time than I can last in the Az sun!