Illustration, not a product photo.

Pentax · 2018 · DSLR · Pentax K

Pentax K-1 Mark II

Full-frame DSLR with sensor-shift stabilisation, pixel shift and Astrotracer, which moves the sensor to follow the stars.

Full frameOlder modelLandscapeAstrophotography
New ≈No longer sold new
Used at MPB*£1,049–1,209
See used stock at MPB ↗Lenses for this camera

Overview

The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a 2018 Full frame 36.4MP DSLR on the Pentax K mount. It shoots up to 4.4 frames per second, records 1080p 30p video and has in-body stabilisation, and it's weather sealed. Full-frame DSLR with sensor-shift stabilisation, pixel shift and Astrotracer, which moves the sensor to follow the stars.

It's best suited to landscape, astrophotography. In our database, 8 lenses fit it natively (2 from third-party makers such as Samyang, Sigma), 5 more work in crop mode.

Used at MPB it currently sells for £1,049 to £1,209 depending on condition, and it's no longer sold new.

Key specifications

Released2018
TypeDSLR
SensorFull frame (36×24mm, 1× crop)
Resolution36.4 megapixels
Max burst4.4 fps
Sensor readoutMechanical shutter (DSLR)
Max ISO819,200
Low-light score4/5
StabilisationIn-body (IBIS)
ViewfinderOptical
Video1080p 30p
Weather sealedYes
Weight1010 g with battery
MountPentax K
Strengths
  • Full-frame sensor for low light and shallow depth of field
  • In-body image stabilisation with every lens
  • Weather sealing for rain and dust
  • Optical viewfinder with zero lag and long battery life
Things to consider
  • DSLR: no subject-detection autofocus through the viewfinder, and lens development has stopped
  • Older autofocus generation; check shutter count and battery health when buying used
  • Heavy body at 1010g

Compatible lenses

8 native · 5 crop mode in our database

LensFitFocalApertureWeightNew ≈Used (MPB)
Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.8
Portraits
Native
First-party
50mmf/1.8122g£199—
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC (manual)
Astrophotography · Landscape
Native
Third-party (manual focus)
14mmf/2.8552g£299£112–349
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
Everyday & travel · Portraits · Astrophotography
Native
Third-party
35mmf/1.4665g£699£399–419
Pentax HD D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR
Everyday & travel
Native
First-party
24-70mmf/2.8787g£1,099£289–399
Pentax HD D FA* 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW
Portraits
Native
First-party
50mmf/1.4910g£1,099£389–419
Pentax HD D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR
Sports & action
Native
First-party
70-210mmf/4980g£1,099—
Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR
Landscape · Astrophotography
Native
First-party
15-30mmf/2.81040g£1,399—
Pentax HD D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW
Wildlife & animals
Native
First-party
150-450mmf/4.5-5.62000g£1,999£1,049–1,179
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
Everyday & travel
Native · crop
Native, in APS-C mode
17-50mmf/2.8565g£349£63–264
Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
Wildlife & animals · Sports & action
Native · crop
Native, in APS-C mode
55-300mmf/4.5-6.3442g£399£84–344
Pentax HD DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR
Everyday & travel
Native · crop
Native, in APS-C mode
16-85mmf/3.5-5.6488g£549£294
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
Everyday & travel · Portraits · Vlogging & video
Native · crop
Native, in APS-C mode
18-35mmf/1.8810g£649£294–459
Pentax HD DA 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW
Landscape · Astrophotography
Native · crop
Native, in APS-C mode
11-18mmf/2.8704g£899£659

Similar cameras to compare

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2021Mirrorless
33MP
10fps max
≈65readout ms
51.2kmax ISO
Low light 658g · IBIS · sealed
New ≈£1,799
Used at MPB*£1,059–1,249

The all-rounder full-frame benchmark. Huge lens choice including Sigma and Tamron.

PortraitsLandscapeAstrophotographyEveryday & travelVlogging & videoSports & action
Nikon

Z5 II

Full frame
2025Mirrorless
24MP
30fps max
—readout ms
64kmax ISO
Low light 700g · IBIS · sealed
New ≈£1,499
Used at MPB*£1,009–1,029

Nikon's affordable full frame with flagship-grade autofocus. Weather-sealed with two card slots.

Beginner-friendlyPortraitsLandscapeAstrophotography
Full frame
2019MirrorlessOlder model
61MP
10fps max
—readout ms
32kmax ISO
Low light 665g · IBIS · sealed
New ≈No longer sold new
Used at MPB*£999–1,269

61MP for huge prints and heavy crops. Demands good lenses and a fast computer.

LandscapePortraits

Batteries and memory cards

Battery

Pentax D-LI90 · maker's battery about £71

Battery for the K-1 series and K-3 Mark III. Carry at least one spare.

Card slots

2× SD (UHS-II)

A V30 UHS-I card is enough for stills; a V60 UHS-II card clears bursts faster.

Batteries, cards and accessories explained →

How the K-1 Mark II compares

Featured in: best camera for astrophotography

Where to buy

*Used prices on this site come from MPB on 5 November 2026. MPB only lists what it has bought in, so "None listed" means none in their stock that day, not that Pentax K-1 Mark II is hard to find. Check these trusted UK dealers too.

See example photos

Real-world shots taken with the Pentax K-1 Mark II. Results are searches on each site, so check the camera or lens listed in each photo's details.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pentax K-1 Mark II good for landscape?

Yes. Full-frame sensor for low light and shallow depth of field. In-body image stabilisation with every lens. Pair it with a wide zoom (about 16–35mm equivalent) with a front filter thread for ND and polariser filters.

Is the Pentax K-1 Mark II good for astrophotography?

Yes. Full-frame sensor for low light and shallow depth of field. In-body image stabilisation with every lens. Pair it with wide (14–24mm equivalent) and fast (f/2.8 or brighter) to gather starlight.

What lenses fit the Pentax K-1 Mark II?

It uses the Pentax K mount. 8 lenses in our database fit natively, including 2 third-party options.

How much is a used Pentax K-1 Mark II?

At MPB, used examples range from £1,049 to £1,209 (checked 5 November 2026), depending on cosmetic grade from Heavily used to Like new.

Does the Pentax K-1 Mark II have image stabilisation?

Yes, it has in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), so every lens is stabilised.

Own one or thinking of it?