On this page

YC Onion Monopod Announced – also Usable as Walking Stick

May 3^rd, 20222

by Olaf von VossMay 3^rd, 2022

Although Chinese manufacturer YC Onion is best known for making affordable camera sliders, it unveiled some new tripods at NAB 2022, including a new Monopod that can double as a walking stick – seriously!

I’m sure you’ve come across one of YC Onion’s camera sliders, the CHOCOLATE or the CHIPS slider for example. But at this year’s NAB, the company also introduced a couple of new tripods, including a lightweight one for traveling and another with a payload of up to 8 kg. But the star, at least for us, of the new product line, was the newly introduced monopod that Billy from YC Onion presented to us.

YC Onion Mini Tripod. Image credit: CineD

This new monopod is not only very lightweight considering its maximum height but also converts into a walking stick that can be used on your next hike. Let’s check it out!

YC Onion Monopod

Billy from YC Onion explains that this new monopod comes in two variants, carbon fiber, and aluminum. The carbon fiber version tips the scales at only 1.6 kg, while the aluminum version weighs about 1.8 kg. Both versions can be extended to a maximum height of 1.45m m (4′ 7⅞”).

The new monopod features a central locking mechanism at the top of the monopod that allows you to extend the monopod with just one click, so there is no hassle with multiple screw locks. There is another mechanism on the bottom that allows you to detach the leg from the base (important if you want to convert the monopod into a walking stick). With the base removed, the tripod head (or ball head) can also be attached to the base of the monopod for a very compact tabletop tripod.

When detaching the leg from the base and simply adding a small rubber cap, it conveniently turns into a very fancy walking stick. Perhaps this could come in quite handy when you’re out and about with a backpack full of camera gear. Even though the idea may seem a little odd at first, it may end up being quite clever!