One year after we first spotted them at IBC 2022, Chinese manufacturer YC Onion is finally shipping its Pineta Peak series of tripods. The Pineta Peak is made of carbon fiber, while the Pineta Peak SE is made of aluminum. Both models can take a maximum payload of 8kg/17.6 lbs, they feature a 75mm bowl and come with a quick-release bowl head. Also, both models are equipped with the company’s patented FEISO release system that unlocks/locks all leg sections with one lever. So let’s take a closer look at these compact tripods!
We can easily say, that when Sachtler introduced the revolutionary flowtech tripod in 2017 it started a new “trend” in the tripod market: quick and one-step height adjustment systems. While, at least to my knowledge, no tripod features a one-lever only to lock/unlock all leg sections simultaneously, this kind of quick height adjustment system for each tripod leg is a time saver on set. You can adjust the height of all the sections of a tripod leg in one step instead of unlocking/locking three or more latches.
While YC Onion is mainly known for making camera sliders, the company launched a quick-release monopod in 2022. A couple of months later, during IBC 2022, we had the chance to talk with them about their newest Pineta Peak tripod. We saw a version 1.0 prototype at their booth, and some work still had to be done before the product was ready to be released to the market. The company gathered user feedback and registered about 40 patents for this tripod, and now they are ready to take pre-orders for the Pineta Peak series of tripods!
YC Onion Pineta Peak – features
Two YC Onion Pineta Peak models are available: the Pineta Peak made out of carbon fiber, and the Pineta Peak SE made out of aluminum. The carbon fiber version weighs 3.5kg/7.7 lbs and has a maximum height of 185cm/72.8 in with the center column fully extended. Obviously, the aluminum version is slightly heavier at 4kg/8.8 lbs and has a maximum height of 175cm/68.9 in.
Both Pineta Peak models have three sections and a maximum payload capacity of 8kg/17.6 lbs with the center column. However, if you remove the center column and replace it with a 75mm bowl head or Sachtler aktiv6/8/8T fluid head, the maximum payload capacity of the tripod legs raises to 35kg/77.2 lbs.
FEISO release system
As I previously mentioned, the Pineta Peak tripods feature “flowtech-style” levers at the top of each leg, which allow you to release all three sections of the legs at once. As you can tell, there is also a lock button – only available on the carbon fiber version – that secures the legs during transport. Of course, you can adjust the angle of each leg and pull them out to get low-angle shots. The legs have three angle settings ranging from 22°, 52°, and 82°.
Bowl base
As mentioned, Pineta Peak features a 75mm bowl base compatible with Sachtler aktiv6/8/8T series tripod heads. On top of the tripod, you’ll find a bubble-level, 1/4″-20, and 3/8″-16 mounting points on the sides of the bowl base, and a convenient carrying handle.
The Pineta Peak has a removable center column that can be flipped upside down for low-angle shots and a bowl head called the COCONUT. The bowl head is bare with a 3/8″-16 mounting point, a bubble level, two set screws to securely lock a fluid head on top of it, and a quick-release level for the head. Please note that on the Pineta Peak SE version, you must remove the center column to attach the COCONUT bowl head.
Lastly, the Pineta Peak series features large tripod feet at the bottom. The feet are removable, and the carbon fiber version comes with 3/8″-16 spikes, which are handy when shooting in rough environments and uneven terrains.
Pricing and availability
All YC Onion Pineta Peak models are available now. The Pineta Peak SE retails for $499, and the Pineta Peak is $699. However, until October 16th, you can save $150 on both tripod models.
For more information, please visit YC Onion’s website here.
What do you think about these one-step height adjustment tripods? Do you think they could be a valuable addition to your kit? What tripod do you use for your main camera? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
