XF23mmF2.8 R WR x Pomma Partiew
Phang Nga Through My Lens: Falling in Love with the XF23mmF2.8 R WR
Hi everyone, it’s me, Beauty Pomma Partiew!
Life has certainly taken me on an interesting path, shifting from the precise world of engineering to the ever-unfolding journey of a traveller. I find I’m truly never stationary; there’s an energy that comes from exploring new routes, seeing places for the first time. The more I travel, the more this incredible excitement builds up inside me, making me want to capture these experiences, to save these precious memoirs.
This time, I invited my friends along for an adventure in the stunning province of Phang Nga, the province in the southern Thailand. And the crucial piece of gear accompanying me, tasked with helping me preserve these memories, was the XF23mmF2.8 R WR lens.
From the moment I arrived in Phang Nga, I felt that familiar thrill of discovery. Our first destination was the visually striking Thum Thong Lang Stone Quarry. Pictures online don’t quite do justice to that intensely clear blue well nestled amongst the rocks. Seeing it in person genuinely makes you gasp “wow!” and instinctively reach for your camera, wanting to capture that vivid colour before it disappears. It was here I had my first real hands-on experience with the XF23mmF2.8 R WR on this trip, and I immediately noticed its biggest practical advantage for me: it’s incredibly light weight.
As a traveller, my style involves everything from carefully wading through shallow streams to simply chilling and soaking up the atmosphere. Having a lens that isn’t a burden, that feels almost weightless on the camera, makes such a difference. It meant I could move freely, explore every corner without feeling weighed down, making it perfectly suited for an active, spontaneous traveller like me.
After soaking in the quarry’s unique beauty, we continued to Baan Suan Gong Cafe. It was the perfect spot to relax – the atmosphere was so welcoming and shady, offering countless little nooks and corners that were just begging to be photographed, and I have to say, the snacks and drinks were absolutely delicious! Capturing the feel of places like this, the textures, the light, the little details, XF23mmF2.8 R WR works perfectly well because the minimum focus distance of the lens is very short which turn a table-top photo into a piece of cake.
Later that day, as the sun began to dip, we made our way to the iconic Samed Nangshe viewpoint. Watching the sunset paint the sky over those dramatic limestone karsts is an essential Phang Nga experience, a moment you absolutely don’t want to miss preserving. Having the XF23mm lens ready felt reassuring.
The second morning brought a change of pace as we explored the historical heart of Old Town Takua Pa. What a gem! I spent hours just walking, occasionally hopping on a bicycle, completely charmed by the blend of classical Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant, lovely street art that pops up unexpectedly.
There’s a unique atmosphere here, a sense of history lingering in the air, and it’s no wonder people fall in love with it. I paused for refreshment at a wonderfully nostalgic old town cafe; just stepping inside felt like traveling back in time. It made me think about the lens I was using – the XF23mmF2.8 R WR feels similar in a way. It incorporates modern technology, delivering sharp, reliable results, yet it embodies that classic Fujifilm style with high-end material and handling that feels timeless. It felt like the perfect tool for capturing the essence of Takua Pa.
Day three offered yet another distinct Phang Nga experience: bamboo rafting. Gliding gently down the river, flanked by lush greenery everywhere you look – the atmosphere was just incredibly peaceful and good. It’s a place I’d highly recommend for anyone seeking tranquillity.
The compactness of the camera and lens combo allowed me to capture the serenity of the moment without fuss and the lens water resistance making me worries free from the splashing. After the rafting, it was time for a culinary highlight at a restaurant praised by the Michelin Guide, specializing in southern Thai cuisine. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the flavours were dazzling – that authentic, punchy taste you expect from traditional southern recipes.
And I have to say, photographing the food with the XF23mmF2.8 R WR seemed to make it look even more delicious! It captured the vibrant colours of the food beautifully and very easy to capture the variety of food with the wider angle comparing to the other pancake lens.
We closed out our Phang Nga adventure by watching the sunset at Memory Beach. It was another one of those moments where nature puts on a spectacular show, and I was so grateful to have a lens I could rely on to capture its beauty.
Looking back on the trip, the XF23mmF2.8 R WR proved itself to be an incredibly versatile and enjoyable companion. Whether I was shooting expansive views, close-up details of delicious food, or capturing the atmosphere of the places and people, it handled everything beautifully. This lens, paired with my Fujifilm camera, consistently helped me keep sharp, vibrant pictures of my memories. Every time I use this combination, I understand more deeply why I fell in love with Fujifilm. It just works for me, for my style of travel and documentation. This trip to Phang Nga, facilitated by reliable gear that let me focus on the experience, was truly healing for me. For any traveller looking to capture their own memories, I honestly think this lens is a “must-have.”
