Today we are taking a look at a pro-level video tripod developed by YC Onion called the Pineta Tripod. This unit which we have been testing for the past six months introduces many new patents and features and has a fast quick open/lock system with a top leaver on each leg.
YC Onion
We’ve been working with YC Onion products for some years now. They’re always innovative and well-made. We reviewed their Pineta monopod in June 2023 and with the YC Onion: Hot Dog Slider back in 2021.
We first had a chance to try the Pineta tripod back in IBC 2023 last September and even used it during the show for our interview with Sony and we have been working with it ever since.
The YC Onion Pineta Peak Tripod
Concept
The Pineta is a beefy tripod with an innovative quick-deployment latch design that allows to open and lock all three sections of the leg in one activation. This is a 75mm-bowl-compatible tripod that comes in multiple kits that can include a quick-replacement leveling bowl head swappable with a center column plus a fluid head. [There’s also an aluminum version available.]
In the box
YC Onion ships the tripod in a padded carrying bag with a set of spikes, stub feet, universal feet, Allen keys, and 2 mounting hole adapters (3/8-1/4’’). Ours is the full kit with the leveling head, a fluid head, and a center column.
Design and build
The Pineta Peak is a pretty beefy tripod that weighs 3.5kg (7.7lbs). These are 3-section legs that are controlled by big aluminum clasps at the top. These locks are rated for 35kg of payload, but this weight is limited by the head and the center column that the rig is mounted on.
The advantage of having the locks at the top is that the payload is safer since you can hold it and operate the locks without bending down. One thing we would’ve wanted to see on these locks is a failsafe like on the monopod version.
There is also a rubberized handle at the top of the tripod for ease of placement. It’s not great for carrying the tripod when folded down, since it’s still heavier in the back. If you carry it with the rig on, it’s probably more balanced, but we wouldn’t suggest doing that.
The tripod base features ¼’’ and 3/8’’ mounting holes with locating pins. There’s no shortage of bubble levels here: there’s one on the tripod base, the leveling head, and the fluid head.
A very welcome 3/”8 with arri pins connection on the side of the tripod
The legs have 3 width settings controlled by metal pull tabs. They can open to 82o and allow for low-angle shots from just 16cm (6.3’’). The tabs lock automatically after the leg has unfolded to the widest setting. There is also a lock button for transporting.
Pull tab on the Pineta Peak Tripod
The feet are replaceable and come with articulating feet and rubber stubs that can be replaced with spikes. These are the biggest spikes I’ve ever seen on a tripod, and when I flew with this tripod, it took the security personnel a while to decide whether to let the spikes on the plane.
Pineta’s legs are compatible with any 75mm bowl head, but the YC Onion bowl head is hard to beat. It’s a quick-mounting design with a friction wheel at the bottom. We feel that this part needs a more pronounced texture instead of the micro etching for easier tightening. Since there is no handle at the bottom, this design allows for low-angle shots.
The bowl features a leveling mechanism to use without a fluid head for photography or locked-off video. When a fluid head is needed, this base comes with 2 locking screws to secure the payload.
The fluid head that YC Onion includes with this kit is the FH75. It features a lightweight hollow design and fluid tilt and pan but without counterbalancing drag. The control handle folds down to just 23cm and can be extended to 35. The extension lock is a barrel design that could’ve easily been a clasp.
The base of the head comes with a couple of nice add-ons. There is a magnetic stash for an Allen key and two release plate buttons to choose between a standard Manfrotto plate or a DJI RS2 plate.
Features
In all, it’s a nicely designed and well-built head, but it’s a little too small for this kit. The sticks can hold a lot more payload, so a smaller head kind of defeats the purpose.
Also, since the head can hold a payload of 10kg, which is kind of a big rig, it needs “big head” features like counterbalancing and drag control.
The same goes for the center column. It’s also rated for a way lighter payload than the sticks (8kg). But if the weight isn’t an issue, it’s a great addition that can raise the camera to 2m and allow for inverted low-angle shots.
The center column comes with a flat base and a 3/8’’ mounting screw to connect your camera or the leveling base or the fluid head. The base has only one locking screw, for some reason.
There are two locks on the center column base. One locks it in place, and the other controls the height. With the column extended to the maximum, the height lock doesn’t work. Besides, there is a bit of a wobble with the column extended to the maximum, so ideally lower the column a few centimeters below the base.
The placement lock has no fail-safe, so when the column is extended and the lock is loosened, the whole setup can fall. We would ask for some kind of a snap latch for reassurance. Also, a different color would be helpful.
The FH75 fluid head on the Pineta Peak Tripod
Even though the bowl head sets up very quickly, there is still no easy way to change the fluid head between the bowl head and the center column. Optionally, YC Onion sells a quick-release base that’s not part of this kit but could be a useful addition.
In all, the whole kit works really great together. The legs are very sturdy. The head features a drop-in lock design with stoppers. It can also tilt 90 degrees for vertical shots. And the leveling bowl head is a really useful addition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, YC Onion made a very versatile photo and video tripod with interesting accessories that make it pretty modular. There are a few things we would change, but there are easy fixes that YC Onion can add on in the future, together with a more advanced fluid head for bigger rigs.
Fully open – the YC Onion Pineta Peak Tripod
Pricing
As for pricing, the full carbon fiber Pineta Peak kit sells for $700 with the head adding another $150 and the central shaft for $150.
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