Tilta Nucleus-M II Review – A Wireless Follow Focus That Punches Well Above Its Price

After months of actual productions with Tilta’s Nucleus-M II, I can say it strikes this line from budget-friendly to genuinely succesful. Digital camera management and lens mapping are lastly right here, the motors are smaller and snappier, and the entire equipment runs on NPF batteries. A latest firmware replace and a considerable value drop make it much more interesting. Let’s dive into my in depth Tilta Nucleus-M II evaluation!I’ve used the unique Tilta Nucleus-M on many roles (our evaluation of the unique model right here). It was reasonably priced and responsive, but fundamental. Digital camera management was restricted to run-stop, there was no lens mapping, and expandability was modest. The Nucleus-M II addresses these gaps whereas preserving the worth now even decrease than earlier than, which makes it a superb possibility for small crews and owner-operators.What comes within the boxI labored with and reviewed the Nucleus-M II Final Equipment, which now retails for $1,499 USD, lowered from its unique $1,999 USD (which was already an unbelievable value when you think about what you get for the cash in comparison with the competitors – however extra on that later). Contained in the case you get the FIZ hand unit, two redesigned motors, left and proper hand grips with a swappable zoom module, 7-pin interconnects, a D-Faucet energy cable, 15 mm and 19 mm rod mounts, 5 customary marking discs, the digital focus ring, a monitor bracket with baby-pin adapter, and a tough case. It’s a surprisingly full set for actual work. The case format is compact, though it tends to tip when standing up throughout loading.Tilta Nucleus-M II on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Digital camera 4K. Picture credit score: CineDTilta has additionally simply launched a Hand Wheel Equipment for $899 USD, which incorporates the identical FIZ hand unit and a single motor. It supplies an entry-level path into the Nucleus-M II ecosystem and is anticipated to ship inside one to 2 weeks.Energy and batteriesTilta switched from 18650 cells to NPF batteries, which makes life on set simpler. NPFs are in all places, they’re simple to supply, and so they final. In sizzling climate above 30 °C I ran the hand unit for about eight hours on a single NPF-530. The grips additionally take NPFs, so the whole system now aligns with the batteries many screens and equipment already use.Sony NPF-style batteries are a lot simpler to pay money for than the 18650 cells that had been used within the predecessor, the Tilta Nucleus M. Picture credit score: CineDMotors and performanceThe new motors are smaller and really feel faster. They embrace a flywheel for smoother rotation, improved mounts for 15 mm and 19 mm rods, and entrance shows that double as a tally if you set off report. “Stealth mode” lets me kill motor LEDs from the hand unit when reflections are an issue. Backward compatibility is powerful: I can combine Nucleus-M II motors with earlier Nucleus-M and Nano II motors on the identical construct.The brand new motors of the Tilta Nucleus-M II. Picture credit score: CineDThe newest firmware added a heavy-load mode for smoother movement beneath increased torque and stuck extreme present draw when utilizing 24-volt sources. I can even daisy-chain energy via the motors whereas controlling totally different motors on separate channels from totally different controllers, which is helpful when a 1st AC handles focus and an operator rides the zoom on a grip.Iris/ND management on the hand unit of the Tilta Nucleus-M II. Picture credit score: CineDCamera management in practiceThis is the place the Nucleus-M II appears like a brand new era. On supported cameras I can alter core settings akin to ISO, shutter, body fee, white steadiness, and ND. Blackmagic our bodies pair shortly by way of Bluetooth and the management response is quick. On Sony, cabled management is accessible, together with variable ND on the FX6. On high-end fashions like Alexa, Venice, or Burano I solely get run-stop, which is a limitation of the digicam ecosystems relatively than the Nucleus-M II itself. The one function I nonetheless miss is playback management from the hand unit.The hand wheel (which could possibly be a tad greater for my palms) is detachable and could be placed on the opposite facet of the hand unit. Picture credit score: CineDLens mapping and the digital ringLens mapping modifications the workflow. I can retailer a lens with focus and iris knowledge and recollect it immediately, which hurries up prep and lens swaps. The digital focus ring mirrors that knowledge, so I finished utilizing paper discs in most conditions. The auxiliary screens on the hand unit and the ring are readable indoors, however their brightness can’t be adjusted, which makes out of doors work in vibrant solar difficult.The firmware improved map modifying. If a saved focus mark is barely off, I can land on it, seize the purpose, nudge it with the wheel, and save the corrected map. The lens checklist is best organized and Tilta expanded the built-in library, which makes preliminary setup sooner on widespread units of primes and zooms.The digital ring on the hand unit is an actual innovation. Picture credit score: CineDHand unit, wheel, and ergonomicsThe hand unit feels stable and is simple to service. Modules join over pins, not unfastened cables, and the wheel could be flipped for left-handed use. After reversing sides, a fast calibration retains it correct. The damping adjustment is helpful, though the wheel itself is on the small facet. With giant palms, fingertip pulling turns into tiring throughout lengthy takes. I’d like to see an optionally available bigger “professional” wheel. The plastic lanyard loop works, but I would favor a steel insert for reliability.Expensive Tilta, I would like an even bigger wheel please! Picture credit score: CineDHandles and cut up controlThe grips have grown barely to accommodate NPFs and the zoom module can swap sides. Operators favored the flexibility to seize non permanent management from the grip whereas I stayed on focus. The most recent firmware lets me set totally different zoom speeds for up and down on the rocker, and it provides a brand new knob calibration routine. If wanted, I may even change the knob to manage zoom velocity relatively than place.Mounting and monitor bracketTilta features a monitor bracket and baby-pin adapter for fast handheld or C-stand setups. The concept is correct, and I’ve used it in vehicles and tight areas, however changes require a number of Torx sizes. Thumb screws would make on-the-fly modifications sooner, particularly with a heavier 7-inch monitor and wi-fi equipment hooked up.I’d like to see a thumb screw right here, as a result of the idea of the monitor bracket is genius. Picture credit score: CineDThe included monitor bracket is compact and positively doesn’t add bulk. Picture credit score: CineDReliability and firmware improvementsThe new firmware replace brings many quality-of-life fixes (this simply got here out after we completed the evaluation video above). I can lock the touchscreen and nonetheless use {hardware} buttons, lengthen sleep time from three to 10 minutes, disable the auxiliary screens, and keep away from the transient aux-screen glitches I noticed on an early unit. Normal stability is best, and the camera-control interface gained a devoted iris web page, which makes day-to-day operation cleaner.Worth dropped additional – worth and who it’s forWith the worth drop to $1,499 USD, the Nucleus-M II Final Equipment delivers even stronger worth than earlier than. For Blackmagic and Sony owner-operators, small manufacturing groups, and ACs who want a reliable backup when a rental Hello-5 or cPRO is just not obtainable, this equipment presents a uncommon mixture of options and affordability. The brand new $899 Hand Wheel Equipment makes it simpler for smaller productions to step into the ecosystem with out compromise.The built-in lens checklist is best organized, and extra lens configurations can simply be added. Picture credit score: CineDLimitations and need listI would love adjustable brightness for the digital ring and auxiliary screens, a bigger optionally available focus wheel, sturdier lanyard {hardware}, and true playback management on supported cameras. The monitor bracket would profit from higher tool-less changes.Tilta Nucleus-M II Evaluate – remaining thoughtsA remaining thought on this evaluation: the Nucleus-M II is a giant leap ahead. Digital camera management and lens mapping change how shortly I can work, the motors really feel extra exact, and the change to NPF batteries matches actual units. With the latest firmware replace and a decrease entry value, it has turn out to be an much more refined and accessible system. Should you work primarily on Sony or Blackmagic our bodies and need full wi-fi management at a smart value, this equipment deserves a critical look.Primarily based on this Tilta Nucleus-M II evaluation or your individual expertise, which enchancment ought to Tilta prioritize subsequent in your opinion? A bigger wheel or full playback management?