The original Sweden Easyrig Vario 5 with Gimbal Rig Vest is a professional body-worn camera support system for operators using heavier handheld and gimbal camera setups. It takes the weight of the camera away from the operator’s arms, shoulders and neck and transfers the load through the vest and support system to the hips, making long operating days considerably more manageable. The Vario 5 is particularly useful when the camera needs to remain in the operator’s hands for extended periods. Instead of supporting the complete camera package entirely with the arms, the suspension line carries the weight while the operator maintains direct control of the camera. This makes it a practical solution for documentary, commercial, music-video, reality, sports and narrative production where the camera needs to stay mobile. The Gimbal Rig Vest is designed specifically for camera setups where the weight can sit farther away from the operator’s body, such as a motorized gimbal or larger handheld camera configuration. Compared with a conventional camera-support vest, the Gimbal Rig Vest provides additional support around the waist. This becomes important when the camera is extended in front of the operator, because the further the camera moves away from the body, the more leverage is placed on the operator’s lower back. The vest helps distribute that load through the torso and hips rather than leaving the operator to support everything through the shoulders and arms. This is one of the reasons the Gimbal Rig Vest is particularly useful with DJI Ronin, Freefly MOVI and similar stabilized camera systems.
Adjustable Vario 5 Suspension
One of the main advantages of the Vario 5 is its adjustable power system. The suspension tension can be adjusted to match the actual weight of the camera package. This is important when moving between different cameras, lenses or accessory configurations during a production. A Sony FX6 with a compact zoom may require a completely different suspension setting from an ARRI ALEXA Mini with a cinema zoom, matte box, wireless video and follow-focus system. Rather than using one fixed spring setting, the Vario 5 allows the operator or camera assistant to adjust the system to the current camera weight. That makes the Vario 5 particularly useful for rental productions where the same support system may be used with different camera packages throughout the week. The standard Vario 5 is designed for camera configurations from approximately 5 to 17 kg. This covers a large range of professional production cameras and accessories. A compact mirrorless or cinema camera can be supported at the lower end of the range, while heavier cinema packages with large lenses, matte boxes, wireless video, monitors and follow-focus equipment can be accommodated toward the upper end. The complete camera package should always be weighed before setting the Vario 5 tension. The correct adjustment is important for both operator comfort and the behaviour of the suspension system. The system should not simply be set to maximum tension because the camera is heavy. The suspension should be matched to the actual working configuration.
Handheld Camera Support Without a Gimbal
The Vario 5 is particularly useful when the production wants handheld camera movement but the camera package has become too heavy to comfortably carry. The camera remains directly controlled by the operator. There are no motors correcting pan, tilt or roll, and the system does not attempt to create the completely isolated movement of a motorized gimbal. Instead, the Easyrig supports the weight while allowing the operator to work naturally. This is especially valuable for documentary and observational shooting, where the camera needs to react immediately to what is happening in front of it. The operator can change framing, move the camera up or down and follow a subject without waiting for a gimbal system to respond. The Gimbal Rig Vest is particularly useful when the Vario 5 is supporting a motorized gimbal. A DJI Ronin or Freefly MOVI with a cinema camera can become surprisingly heavy once the camera, lens, matte box, focus motor, monitor, wireless video and other accessories are installed. Holding that entire configuration for a long shooting day can put considerable strain on the operator. The Easyrig transfers much of that weight into the support system while allowing the operator to continue controlling the gimbal normally. The Vario 5 therefore works as a support system underneath the gimbal rather than replacing the gimbal itself.
More Freedom During Long Takes
The biggest practical advantage becomes apparent during long takes. A camera operator may be able to carry a 10 or 12 kg rig for a short shot without assistance. The problem comes when that shot lasts several minutes or when the same operating position has to be maintained repeatedly throughout a twelve-hour production day. The Vario 5 reduces the amount of physical effort required to keep the camera at operating height. This allows the operator to concentrate more on framing, timing and movement instead of constantly fighting the weight of the camera. For documentary work and reality production, where the operator may not know when a shot will end, this can be particularly useful.
The system is also useful for tracking shots where the camera needs to remain in front of the operator while moving through a location. A motorized gimbal provides stabilization of the camera axes, while the Easyrig supports the physical weight of the complete setup. The two systems therefore solve different problems. The gimbal controls camera rotation and stabilization. The Easyrig carries the physical load. Used together, they create a much more sustainable operating configuration for long tracking shots with a heavier camera package. For productions using a DJI Ronin 2, Ronin MX or Ronin RS-series system or Freefly MOVI, the exact mounting configuration should be checked according to the camera and gimbal being used.
Useful for Documentary Production
The Vario 5 is particularly well suited to documentary camera work. Documentary operators often need to stay ready for long periods and move quickly when something happens. A tripod may be too slow, while a heavy handheld camera can become physically exhausting. The Easyrig sits between these two approaches. The operator remains mobile and can react immediately, but the camera weight is supported by the rig. This makes it useful for interviews, observational documentary, reality television, backstage filming, events and other situations where the camera operator may be working continuously for long periods.
Commercial and Music Video Production
For commercial and music-video production, the Vario 5 can be useful when a shot requires repeated camera movement without the operator becoming exhausted. It can support heavier camera packages while maintaining the direct physical control associated with handheld operation. When combined with a gimbal, it can also support longer moving shots where the camera needs to remain in front of the operator. For music videos and commercial productions, this can be especially useful during repeated takes where the same movement may need to be performed many times. The Vario 5 is not limited to one particular camera system. The camera connects to the Easyrig through its camera hook or compatible quick-release configuration, allowing the support system to be used with different camera builds. The standard Vario 5 includes the support system, camera hook, vest, power pack, adjustable vest stabilizer, manual and transport bag. The Vario 5 itself weighs approximately 5.5 kg in the Gimbal Rig configuration, depending on the exact arm and vest configuration. The suspension line extends to approximately 90 cm.
Rental in Bangkok and Thailand
The Easyrig Vario 5 with Gimbal Rig Vest is available from Film Service Thailand for professional camera production in Bangkok and throughout Thailand. It is a useful addition to a professional camera package when the production involves heavy handheld cameras, long takes, gimbal operation or extensive tracking shots. International crews can rent the Vario 5 together with cinema cameras, lenses, DJI Ronin systems, Freefly MOVI, monitors, wireless video, follow focus and other camera department equipment. For productions where the camera needs to stay in the operator’s hands for most of the day, the Vario 5 is one of those pieces of equipment that becomes more valuable the longer the shooting day gets.
