Last updated: 7 August 2026. Prices are in AUD and correct at the time of writing. Specs are Sachtler's published figures, confirm the current spec sheet on the linked product page for your exact model.
For outside broadcast (OB) and studio work, Sachtler's answer is a pedestal, a wheeled, counterbalanced column that lets an operator make smooth vertical “on-shot” moves and glide the camera across the floor while recording. This guide covers the whole OB and studio support range Black Flag Distribution stocks in Australia: the Pedestal C studio peds, the heavy pneumatic Vario Ped 1-70 and 2-80, complete Vario systems, OB dollies and PTZ HD for robotic cameras.
What makes support “OB-ready”
Outside broadcast and live studio work demand things a tripod can't give. You need heavy payload for full broadcast cameras with big box lenses, teleprompters and on-board kit; on-shot vertical movement so you can follow talent from seated to standing without a visible bump; crab-and-steer mobility to glide and change direction smoothly on a studio floor; and fast breakdown and transport for moving between venues in an OB truck. Pedestals are built for exactly this.
Studio pedestals: Pedestal C I and C III
The Pedestal C range is the lighter, highly portable way into pedestal work, quick to assemble, easy to carry, and silent to roll. The Pedestal C III carries up to 55 kg, with a 42 cm on-shot stroke, a 71.5 to 157 cm height range and a single air column, all at just 16.5 kg, ideal for flexible studio and on-location filming. The more compact Pedestal C I is the entry option for lighter setups where portability matters most.
Heavy pneumatic pedestals: Vario Ped 1-70 and 2-80
The Vario Peds are the true broadcast workhorses, two-stage pneumatic pedestals built for robust, repeatable on-air movement. The Vario Ped 1-70 carries 70 kg with a 41 cm on-shot stroke (height 67 to 148 cm), while the Vario Ped 2-80 steps up to 80 kg and a 77 cm stroke, enough to follow a presenter from seated to fully standing in one smooth move. Both offer crab-and-steer for tight spaces and on-shot direction changes, a detachable dolly for transport, integral pressure gauge and adjustable cable guards. For location and OB-truck use on rougher ground, the Vario Ped 1-70 OB and Vario Ped 2-80 OB add OB-specification wheels.
Complete Vario systems: head + pedestal
If you want a matched package, the Vario systems pair a heavy Sachtler Video fluid head with a Vario pedestal. The System 25 Vario 1-70 and System 25 Vario 2-80 put a Video 25 head (8 to 35 kg, 150 mm) on the Vario ped, while the System 60 Vario 1-70 and System 60 Vario 2-80 mount the heavy Video 60 head (16 to 65 kg) for the biggest broadcast builds. Buying the system guarantees the head, adapter and pedestal all match.
OB dollies: moving the heaviest heads
When the job is transport and positioning of a full broadcast head rather than a pneumatic column, the OB dollies carry Sachtler's largest Video heads on a rolling base. The Video 60 OB Dolly and Video 75 OB Dolly pair the Video 60 (16 to 65 kg) and Video 75 (12 to 85 kg) heads with a heavy-duty dolly for outside-broadcast mobility.
PTZ HD: robotic and remote cameras
Modern OB increasingly runs remote and robotic PTZ cameras. Sachtler covers this with dedicated PTZ support: the PTZ HD Tripod and Dolly System for mobile remote positions and the PTZ HD Pedestal System for smooth studio-style height moves on a robotic head.
OB support at a glance
| Support | Payload | On-shot stroke | Best for | Approx. (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestal C I | Lighter studio | Air column | Portable studio / location | ~$9,699 |
| Pedestal C III | 55 kg | 42 cm | Flexible studio & on-location | ~$25,699 |
| Vario Ped 1-70 | 70 kg | 41 cm | Broadcast studio | ~$43,499 |
| Vario Ped 2-80 | 80 kg | 77 cm | Seated-to-standing on shot | ~$60,399 |
| Video 60 OB Dolly | Video 60 head (16 to 65 kg) | N/A | Heavy head transport / OB | ~$40,399 |
| PTZ HD Pedestal | Robotic PTZ | Column | Remote / robotic cameras | ~$10,599 |
How to choose
Match the pedestal to your camera weight and the moves you need. For a portable studio or light OB setup, a Pedestal C III is capable and easy to move. For full broadcast cameras and repeatable on-air moves, step to a Vario Ped 1-70, or the 2-80 when you need the long seated-to-standing stroke and 80 kg capacity. Choose the OB wheel versions if you work off the studio floor, a Vario system to get the head and pedestal matched out of the box, an OB dolly to move a big Video head, or PTZ HD for robotic cameras. For the fluid heads themselves, see our payload buying guide and the complete Sachtler guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a camera pedestal used for in outside broadcast?
A pedestal is a wheeled, counterbalanced column that supports a broadcast camera and lets the operator make smooth vertical “on-shot” height changes and glide across the floor while on air. It's the standard support for studio and OB work where a tripod can't provide the payload, movement or mobility required.
What is the difference between the Sachtler Vario Ped 1-70 and 2-80?
The Vario Ped 1-70 carries 70 kg with a 41 cm on-shot stroke; the Vario Ped 2-80 carries 80 kg with a 77 cm stroke. The 2-80's longer stroke is designed to follow talent from a seated to a fully standing position in a single on-shot move.
What does the “OB” version of a Sachtler pedestal add?
The OB versions of the Vario Ped 1-70 and 2-80 add outside-broadcast-specification wheels suited to working off the smooth studio floor, useful for location and OB-truck deployments on rougher surfaces.
What is a Sachtler Vario system?
A Vario system is a complete package pairing a heavy Sachtler Video fluid head with a Vario pedestal, for example the System 25 Vario (Video 25 head) or System 60 Vario (Video 60 head), so the head, adapter and pedestal are matched out of the box.
Does Sachtler support robotic PTZ cameras for OB?
Yes. The PTZ HD Tripod and Dolly System and the PTZ HD Pedestal System are designed to support remote and robotic PTZ cameras, giving robotic setups mobile positioning or smooth studio-style height moves.
Where can I buy Sachtler OB and studio gear in Australia?
Black Flag Distribution is the Australian distributor for the professional brands in this guide, and supplies a nationwide network of authorised retailers and stockists rather than selling direct to the public. To check pricing and availability and to purchase, use our store finder to find an authorised retailer or stockist near you.
Where to buy in Australia
Black Flag Distribution is the official Australian distributor of the professional film, television and production brands featured in this guide. We supply an Australia-wide network of authorised retailers and stockists rather than selling direct to the public, so there is a local dealer who can help wherever you are. To check pricing and availability and to buy, use the Black Flag Distribution store finder to find an authorised retailer or stockist near you. Search our store finder to locate your nearest Australian stockist and purchase from an authorised dealer.
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