The magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with a large solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the kidney originating in the renal capsule are presented. SFT of the kidney is a rare, usually benign tumor with indolent clinical behavior. MRI revealed a diffusely hypointense mass on T2-weighted images without central necrosis despite the large size of the lesion. These imaging features, atypical for renal cell carcinoma, can suggest the diagnosis of SFT and may be an indication for attempting nephron-sparing surgery.