When it comes to camera support systems for handheld, gimbal, and shoulder-mounted shooting, the easyrig has become the go-to for many. But there’s another system that deserves far more attention: the ready rig— it's a game-changer for handheld, gimbal, and shoulder rigs alike.
The Ready Rig VEGA v2 system, which combines the Ready Rig GS + ProArm Stabilizer vest with the VEGA Upgrade v2 support unit (enhancing boom movement and reducing footsteps and bounce motion) is often mistaken as a tool meant only for gimbals, but that perception sells it short. In reality, it's an incredibly versatile support rig that excels across a wide range of camera configurations—from lightweight doc-style builds to fully loaded cine rigs. Whether you're shooting a commercial, narrative, music video, or fast-paced documentary, Ready Rig offers ergonomic and creative advantages that go far beyond what most people expect.
Why the Easyrig Leads in Prevalence
The Easyrig is intuitive, easy to rent, and reduces fatigue from carrying a heavy camera. But it primarily supports the vertical weight of the rig—leaving you to still manage horizontal sway and side-to-side control. It’s great for “floaty handheld,” but not ideal for full control or extended takes that require precision, or gimbal work.
What Makes the Ready Rig Different
The Ready Rig’s dual tension-loaded arms not only support vertical weight but also distribute load horizontally across your torso. That means it removes more stress from your back and shoulders, stabilizes the camera in more axes, and gives you better fine-movement control. It also handles longer setups (like cine primes with wireless focus, matte boxes, and heavier accessories) more gracefully.
Not Just for Gimbals
Yes, it excels when paired with a Ronin 2 or Movi Pro ring setup—but it also works beautifully with handheld camera builds. You can operate underslung handheld with just one arm for extended periods, and now with the release of the Ready Rig Nimbus Crossbar accessory, you gain even greater horizontal stability, boom control, and creative versatility. The Nimbus Crossbar seamlessly connects the two support arms, eliminating sway and bounce, and creates a central, balanced anchor point for your camera.
The full Ready Rig Nimbus Kit combines the Ready Rig VEGA v2 system and the Nimbus Crossbar, delivering an all-in-one support solution that dramatically reduces fatigue and elevates control and precision for both handheld and gimbal use. With fingertip-level precision, “floaty” movement, and support for payloads up to 40 lbs, the Nimbus system is redefining what handheld can look and feel like.
The system includes an independent monitor mount for uninterrupted focus, a locking quick release for secure and rapid camera transitions, and is designed for quick setup and tight space navigation. With a 55" boom range and up to 40 lb capacity, the ProArms paired with the VEGA v2 deliver sweeping motion with reduced bounce and minimal operator fatigue. Whether you're tracking a subject in a documentary, staging a high-action music video shot, or navigating tight interiors on a narrative set, the Ready Rig with Nimbus offers a level of ergonomic performance that most handheld rigs can't touch.
Better for Your Health, Better for Your Footage
If you’re a solo shooter or small-crew doc filmmaker logging long days on your feet, Ready Rig can save your spine while improving camera stability. Less micro-shake, less fatigue, and more flexibility equals better takes. The fact that it’s less common than the Easyrig isn’t due to lack of function—it’s due to habit and marketing.
Proper Setup Tips
Properly setting up your support system is just as important as choosing the right one. A surprisingly large percentage of operators—whether using Easyrig or Ready Rig—don’t wear them correctly. With the Easyrig, many users leave the waist belt too loose, causing the system to pull away from the lower back and fail to distribute the load onto the hips as intended. With the Ready Rig, it’s common to see operators putting it on without leaving an air gap above the shoulders, which is essential for allowing the arms to move freely and support the camera correctly. Getting these details right can drastically improve comfort and performance over long shoot days.
An Alternate Option for Shoulder Rig Shooters
While the Ready Rig excels for handheld, gimbal, and hybrid builds, shooters who primarily operate with traditional shoulder-mounted rigs might consider the Ergorig as a strong alternative (over the Easy Rig or Ready Rig). The Ergorig is a wearable exoskeleton-style support system that offloads the weight of a shoulder rig onto the operator’s hips without placing pressure on the spine. It’s especially effective for documentary or ENG-style shooters who keep the camera shouldered for long durations but don’t need the articulated arm system of a Ready Rig. That said, if a shooter is looking to take advantage of underslung-style support while using a shoulder rig, the Ready Rig—especially when paired with the Nimbus Crossbar—excels in this area, providing floaty, fingertip-controlled underslung operation that the Ergorig does not.
One caveat worth noting for gimbal users is that the Quick Connect System has been out of stock for an extended period. Many operators—ourselves included—have given up waiting for it to become available again. We understand the challenges of running a boutique hardware company and the costs involved in manufacturing niche, high-quality gear, but it’s worth factoring limited availability into your expectations.
Conclusion
The next time you’re planning a long handheld shoot or gearing up for a vérité-heavy project, don’t default to the Easyrig just because it’s what everyone else uses. Give Ready Rig a closer look—it might be the career-extending, fatigue-reducing tool your kit has been missing.
