Swedish camera support system by Johan Hellsten that reduces operator fatigue for 5-17kg cameras using bungee suspension, enabling 8-12 hours of fatigue-free shooting.
Technical Details
The Easyrig Vario 5 Strong supports camera weights between 5 and 17 kg with a maximum operating height of 120 cm to 200 cm. The core element is a high-performance rubber cord with a 13 mm diameter, guided by a pulley system. Weight adjustment is done via a stepless tension system with markings for reproducible settings. The aluminum frame weighs 3.2 kg, the carbon variant 2.8 kg. Additional damping elements reduce vertical movements by up to 80%.
History & Development
Johan Hellsten developed the first Easyrig in 1996 in Sweden as a response to back problems experienced by camera operators on documentary productions. In 2003, Easyrig introduced the Cinema series, followed in 2008 by the first Vario model with variable weight adjustment. The Vario 5 generation, introduced in 2015, integrated a damping system for the first time and reduced the unit's own weight by 15%. Since 2019, Easyrig has offered special configurations for gimbal systems and virtual reality cameras.
Practical Application in Film
For "The Revenant" (2015), cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki used the Easyrig for the famous natural location shoots to achieve natural handheld movements despite heavy ALEXA configurations. Documentaries like "Free Solo" (2018) benefit from the quick switching between static and mobile shots without setup time. The system allows for 8-12 hours of shooting without physical fatigue, whereas traditional handheld shots require breaks after 2-3 hours. The limited vertical movement is a disadvantage – extreme downward tilts are only possible to a limited extent.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike mechanical Steadicam systems, the Easyrig does not offer active image stabilization, but solely weight relief. Modern gimbal systems like the DJI Ronin 4D also require Easyrig support for extended use due to their total weight of up to 4.5 kg. The Ready Rig GS from the USA competes with similar specifications, but at a 20% higher weight. For ultra-light cameras under 3 kg, operators typically use the Easyrig Minimax, and for broadcast cameras over 20 kg, the Cinema 3.