Today we are taking a look at two new products from the Chinese manufacturer YC Onion – an innovative fast-action monopod whimsically named YC Onion Pineta Monopod and a small lightweight FH60 fluid head.
YC Onion
We’ve been working with YC Onion products for some time now (see our previous review). They offer a lineup of products for video shooters, including camera cages, lights, and sliders. Their latest additions to the product line include a fluid head and an innovative monopod.
YC Onion Pineta Monopod Concept
The Pineta monopod is available in aluminum or carbon fiber. Both versions come with a quick-release base and feature a fast-adjustment flip lock design.
The Pineta monopod base
In the box
YC Onion ships the monopod in a padded carrying bag. The full kit includes the monopod itself with an extension tube and the FH60 fluid head.
Design and build
The version we’re reviewing is made of carbon fiber, making it about 200 grams lighter than its aluminum brother. It’s made up of 3 sections with an anti-rotating tube design.
Folded up, the Pineta measures 75cm and extends to 145cm. The extension tube adds an extra 35cm of height and 300g of weight.
YC Onion Pineta Monopod in action
The feet lock in place automatically when deployed and are about 17cm long. There’s a rubber bumper on the bottom that can be used when the feet are folded.
Another interesting feature is the quick-release base on both ends of the monopod and on the extension tube. It’s a locking collar design with a rosette to prevent twisting. The beauty of this feature is being able to seamlessly change from a monopod to a table tripod.
The new and innovative fast extend mechanism
It’s also a security feature since you can quickly grab the camera, and not leave it unattended on the monopod.
The most important design element on the Pineta is the flip lock. It allows for a one-handed operation to adjust the height and secure it. There is a small release button that prevents unintentional opening.
The FH60 head is a very compact fluid head with a 60mm base, weighing only .85kg thanks to its hollow frame design. This compact head can support payloads of up to 6kg.
The base of the monopod – no full lock
There are a few great features on this YC Onion setup, like a heavy-duty wrist strap; soft padding for secure handling; a mounting point on the end of the monopod; a 90-degree head tilt for vertical shooting, and also a 90-degree base lean.
There are also a few things that we feel YC Onion missed in developing this kit: there is no vertical lock on the feet base; the feet could be longer to provide a more stable stance; the head doesn’t come with locating pins on the mounting hole on the side. Actually, if you’re designing a head for a monopod, why not make it with an integrated quick release?
A quick release built into the head could have been nice
Conclusion
Of course, that’s just nitpicking. The Pineta monopod isn’t perfect, but it’s still very well built and its innovative flip lock makes it superior to many other monopods.
The new compact FH60 fluid head
Pricing
As for pricing, the aluminum Pineta monopod sells for $240, the carbon fiber version is $340, and the carbon fiber kit with the fluid head and the extension tube is $490. (Product page on B&H; Product page on Amazon).
Update: YC-Onion informed us that there is also a more basic PINETA Aluminum Alloy Monopod SE which has the same quick open mechanism but a more simple general design (without the double quick release at the top and bottom) and sells for just under $140.
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