YC Onion Tako Tripod Announced – Lightweight with One-Way Single Lock Mechanism

by Jakub HanToday

YC Onion Tako lightweight tripod features a new one-way single lock mechanism. While aimed primarily at photographers, it can also be equipped with a fluid video head. Featuring an integrated leveling bowl, a maximum height of 177cm/70in, and a 1/4″ mounting thread with locating pins, it will come with either a ball head or a video head. The carbon fiber tripod should be available by the end of 2024 for around $300.

The Chinese company YC Onion does not have a very wide product portfolio, but I feel like by focusing on very few products, they usually put a lot of thought into each design. My colleague Nino recently reviewed the YC Onion Pineta Peak tripod for filmmakers. At this year’s IBC we talked to Sandy from YC Onion about yet another tripod, but this time a more lightweight version for photographers. Let’s take a look at the new YC Onion Tako tripod.

YC Onion Tako – ultra-fast deployment

Sticking to food-themed product names, the new Tako is primarily focused on photographers who are looking for a lightweight tripod that is very easy and quick to set up.

The tripod features the company’s new one-way single lock mechanism, which is in a semi-locked state by default (when locked), so you do not have to unlock each leg in order to extend them. You can just pull the legs out. Later, for further adjustments (and for retracting the legs back), you can unlock each leg by twisting the single lock lever. This design should enable an even faster deployment of the tripod in the field.

There will be two versions of the Tako tripod – one for photographers, which comes with a ball head, and one for filmmakers that will feature a video head. The maximum payload is 8kg, according to YC Onion.

Sandy from YC Onion further told us that the tripod is weather-sealed, preventing dust from entering each section and reducing the need for maintenance. When folded, the tripod is around 67cm/26.3in long. When deployed, with the center column extended, the maximum height is 177cm/69.7in. With the center column removed, the tripod can be lowered to approximately 17cm/6.7in above the ground.

The good thing is that the tripod features an integrated leveling bowl. This is especially handy in combination with the video head. Additionally, YC Onion Tako has a 1/4″ thread mount with locating pins at the top for mounting accessories.

Price and availability

The YC Onion Tako tripod is yet to be released. The company informed us that it is expected to launch at the end of 2024 (around November or December) with a price of approximately $300. We will inform you once the YC Onion Tako becomes available, so stay tuned to CineD.

What do you think about the YC Onion Tako tripod? Do you use any YC Onion gear for your productions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.