The Easyrig Vario 5: Why Filmmakers Rely on This Essential Support Tool

For camera operators working long days on set, the Easyrig Vario 5 has become one of the most valuable pieces of rigging equipment to hire. Whether you’re shooting handheld drama, documentaries, reality TV or commercial content, the Vario 5 provides a perfect middle ground between freedom of movement and weight support — allowing operators to work for longer, more comfortably, and with greater control.

At its core, the Easyrig Vario 5 redistributes the weight of the camera from your arms to your hips and back via a harness and overhead line system. This reduces strain, minimises fatigue and stabilises handheld footage without compromising the organic, natural motion that many productions prefer over fully gimballed work.

For productions using heavy cinema bodies, large zoom lenses or rigs stacked with monitors, wireless systems and accessories, the Vario 5 is an absolute game-changer.

Why the Easyrig Vario 5 Is So Useful for Filmmakers

Adjustable Load Capacity

Unlike fixed-weight Easyrig models, the Vario 5 lets operators tune the support tension from 5–17kg, making it suitable for everything from compact run-and-gun setups to fully built cinema rigs. This adjustability means you can adapt quickly throughout the shoot.

Natural, Controlled Handheld Movement

The Vario 5 maintains the authentic handheld aesthetic — something many cinematographers still prefer over gimbals — while eliminating the micro-shake and exhaustion that comes from operating heavy systems all day.

Increased Endurance on Set

By transferring the weight to your torso and hips, operators can shoot comfortably for much longer stretches. This is especially helpful for docu-style work, live events, long takes, and scenes requiring continuous re-takes.

Compatibility With Accessories

The Vario 5 is designed to work seamlessly with additional stabilisation systems like the Flowcine Serene and Flowcine Stabil arms, which can dramatically change the feel and smoothness of your shots depending on your needs.

Flowcine Serene Arm

An add-on for smoothing out vertical movement in Easyrig setups. : The Easyrig Vario 5 with Serene Arm.

Advantages of the Flowcine Serene

Reduces vertical bounce: The Serene introduces a two-axis spring arm that absorbs the up-and-down movement created when an operator walks or runs, giving smoother, more controlled motion.
Perfect for fast-paced shoots: Ideal for music videos, reality TV, documentary following, and any shot where the operator needs to move quickly.
Works brilliantly with heavier rigs: Helps maintain stability even with large cinema cameras or long zooms.
More polished handheld look: Keeps the handheld aesthetic but adds a level of smoothness closer to Steadicam-style operation.

Disadvantages of the Flowcine Serene

Adds extra length and bulk to the Easyrig, which can be awkward in confined spaces.
Not a full stabiliser: It removes vertical motion, but horizontal movement still relies entirely on operator skill.
Additional setup time and tuning are required to get the springs balanced properly for your camera weight.
More fatigue on the back: Because of the extra leverage, some operators feel increased strain after long periods.

Flowcine Stabil Arm

A more advanced accessory designed to stabilise both vertical and horizontal movement. : The Easyrig Vario 5 with Stabil Arm.

Advantages of the Flowcine Stabil Arm

Dramatic improvement in stabilisation: Reduces both vertical and lateral vibration, resulting in shots that feel smoother and more cinematic.
Excellent for longer lenses: Particularly helpful on shoots that require 50mm+ focal lengths, where small movements become more noticeable.
Increases freedom of movement: Allows operators to walk, run or navigate uneven terrain while maintaining steadier frames.
Pairs well with gimbals: Many operators use the Stabil arm with a Ronin or Movi for an ultra-fluid hybrid rig.

Disadvantages of the Flowcine Stabil Arm

Highest cost and complexity: More expensive to rent and requires more experience to set up correctly.
Heavier overall rig: Adds significant weight to the Easyrig system, which can lead to operator fatigue if used for long takes.
Not ideal for confined sets: The extended arm length can be restrictive in tight rooms, vehicles or cramped locations.
May be “too smooth” for productions that want a gritty handheld feel — it reduces character as much as it reduces shake.

Final Thoughts

The Easyrig Vario 5 continues to be one of the most relied-upon systems for camera operators who need flexibility, endurance and natural handheld motion. Whether paired with a full cinema rig or a compact mirrorless setup, it provides balance, comfort and improved consistency throughout the shoot.

Adding a Flowcine Serene or Flowcine Stabil arm can further refine the look — from subtle smoothing to near-Steadicam stability — depending on what the project requires.