Tilta Nucleus-M II Introduced – Features a New 4-Channel FIZ Unit, Flexible Motors, and More

by Jakub Han10 days ago

The new generation of the popular wireless lens control system – the Tilta Nucleus-M II – comes with a new FIZ unit with 4-channels of control, a new display, swappable main wheel, etc. The handles now run on the Sony NP-F batteries and the lens motors feature better flexibility for mounting on 15mm or 19mm rods. The Nucleus-M II ultimate kit can now be pre-ordered for $1,299.

Just before this year’s NAB show, the Chinese camera accessories company Tilta announced the new Nucleus M II wireless lens control system. The set of features and specs goes far beyond a follow focus – the system can control not only every gear on a lens but also an electronic ND filter, for instance. We met up with Nick Szubart from Tilta on the NAB show floor and asked about the new Nucleus M II set. Let’s take a closer look.

Tilta Nucleus-M II – improvements for all components

The first generation Tilta Nucleus M was introduced eight years ago, and outside of hardware improvements, many innovations have also happened on the software front. As Nick told us, the new Nucleus-M II system offers more software features using wi-fi and Bluetooth to control various aspects of many compatible cameras.

The biggest improvements include the heart of the system – the new FIZ hand unit. There are now new screens for lens mapping, an electronic focus marking disc, and four channels of control, including the force pad.

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The main control wheel now has adjustable tension, and it can be swapped to either side of the FIZ unit. The fourth control small wheel on the side can be used for an electronic ND system or Tilta’s polarizer filter, for instance. An NP-F550 battery powers the unit and users can switch between physical and on-screen focus markings for pulling focus.

The FIZ unit can store mapped lens data for up to 128 lenses, displaying real-time FIZ (Focus, Iris, Zoom) info to help ACs hit marks accurately. The system can now remember the focus markings even when swapping between NP-F batteries.

The lens motors are now more compact (but with more torque – 0.48 Nm), they feature colored LED for easier identification, and the gears and rod clamps can be positioned more flexibly. The latency of the whole system has also been improved. As Nick told us, it is now around 0.02s.

The handles of the Nucleus-M II system now run on the Sony NP-F batteries (instead of the 18650 cells used in the original Nucleus M). The display on the handles now has better visibility. Finally, the handles now have a magnetic quick-release system for the thumb rocker, so it can be easily swapped between the handles to better suit the operator’s preference.

The good thing is that the new Nucleus-M II system is also compatible with existing Tilta lens motors, such as the ones from the original Nucleus M or the Nucleus Nano II. The Nucleus-M II is also compatible with DJI gimbals for direct motor control without additional gear.

Price and availability

The new Nucleus-M II system is now available for pre-order. The price for the whole Ultimate Kit (FIZ unit, two lens motors, and two handles) has been set to $1,299 (pre-order price only). The shipping should start in four to eight weeks. Nick told us the full retail price would be $2,000, so it might be a good idea to pre-order now if you are considering getting the Nucleus-M II.

Do you use Tilta’s original Nucleus M system? What do you think about the new Nucleus-M II? Did Tilta improve the biggest pain points of the original system? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.