Introducing the New Tilta Nucleus-M II Wireless Follow Focus System (Mark II)
The new Tilta Nucleus-M II Ultimate Kit includes a central FIZ hand unit (center) with a detachable focus wheel, two wireless handgrips (left and right), and high-torque lens motors. This next-gen wireless lens control system adds a fourth control channel for electronic ND filters and brings high-end focus-pulling features to an indie-friendly price point.
The Tilta Nucleus-M II (Mark 2) is the cutting-edge successor to Tilta’s original Nucleus-M, a system that revolutionized affordable wireless follow focus for filmmakers. Announced at NAB 2025 – eight years after the original’s debut – the Nucleus-M II is designed for both independent filmmakers and prosumer cinematographers, delivering high-end functionality at an accessible price. This new release bridges the gap between affordability and premium performance, making professional wireless follow focus technology available to smaller productions. In this post, we’ll introduce the headline features of the Nucleus-M II, highlight what’s new, and explain why it’s generating buzz among indie filmmakers and content creators.
Key Features at a Glance
4-Channel Lens Control: Operate up to four wireless motors – controlling focus, iris, zoom, and electronic ND – simultaneously. The Nucleus-M II adds a dedicated channel for ND filters (e.g. via the Tilta Mirage VND), whereas the original Nucleus-M supported three channels (focus/iris/zoom). This enables real-time exposure adjustments without touching the camera, ideal for complex shots or gimbal setups where swapping ND filters physically is impractical.
2.4" Touchscreen Hand Unit: The new FIZ hand controller features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen display and an electronic focus marking disc. Focus pullers can now see lens data (focus distance, iris, zoom values) on a bright screen in real time, improving accuracy. The electronic marking disk displays focus marks digitally, even in low light, and is detachable – you can remove it and revert to a traditional physical mark ring if needed.
Adjustable Focus Wheel & Left-Hand Support: Tilta added an adjustable damping mechanism to the hand unit’s focus wheel, so operators can fine-tune the wheel’s tension to their preference. The main wheel module is also detachable and reversible for left-handed use – a much-requested feature allowing comfortable operation for lefty focus pullers. This ergonomic tweak shows Tilta’s attention to user feedback from the original model.
Upgraded Motors with Fast Response: The Nucleus-M II’s lens motors have been redesigned for higher torque and snappier response. They feature a “PID 2.0” algorithm that achieves a near-instant 0.02s response time, virtually eliminating lag. The motors also have a streamlined UI with color-coded LED indicators and easy direction swapping. Despite their compact size (great for gimbal or drone use), these motors are stronger than the previous Nucleus-M and Nano motors, ensuring smooth, stutter-free focus pulls even on stiff cinema lenses.
Wireless Camera Control: Going beyond lens control, the Nucleus-M II can wirelessly adjust camera settings on supported cameras. Via Bluetooth or control cables, the hand unit can start/stop recording and tweak settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance on compatible cameras. This centralizes camera and lens control in one unit – a big plus for solo operators and small crews. (Camera control features will vary by camera model and may require optional cables or firmware support.)
Lens Mapping & Memory Presets: A huge new feature is built-in lens mapping. The hand unit can store calibration profiles for up to 128 lenses, allowing focus/iris/zoom positions to correspond to real distance or focal length marks. Focus pullers can quickly switch lenses and recall saved focus distance marks or repeatable zoom stops without recalibrating from scratch each time. There’s also mark/range memory protection, so even if the unit powers down, your A-B marks and lens data remain saved. This level of lens data integration was previously found only in high-end FIZ units.
Backward Compatibility and Ecosystem Integration: Worried about your existing gear? Tilta designed the Nucleus-M II to play nice with the original Nucleus-M and the newer Nucleus Nano II systems. You can mix and match – for example, use your old Nucleus-M motors with the new hand unit, or the new motors with an old hand unit. The M II also supports the DJI RS wireless protocol, meaning it can interface with DJI Ronin gimbals and motors. This backward compatibility protects your investment and allows a gradual upgrade path for crews who already own the first-gen system.
Powered by NP-F Batteries: Both the FIZ hand unit and the wireless handgrips now use standard Sony NP-F550 batteries for power. This is a welcome change from the original’s 18650 batteries – NP-F batteries are more readily available, quick to swap, and offer 8–12 hours of operation per charge. Indie filmmakers likely already have NP-F batteries for monitors or lights, simplifying power management on set.
Why It Matters for Indie Filmmakers
The Nucleus-M II brings big-budget filmmaking tools to independent productions. With its multi-channel control and advanced features, a small crew or even a single operator can pull off shots that used to require a full focus puller team. For example, a solo documentary filmmaker can mount the hand unit on a C-stand via the included baby-pin adapter and monitor bracket, watch the live feed, and wirelessly pull focus and adjust ND on the fly. Narrative indie film shooters gain the precision of lens mapping – critical for executing complex focus racks repeatedly – without renting an expensive follow focus kit. The system’s adaptability (from handheld rigs to gimbals and drones) means it fits into the diverse shooting styles of content creators.
Equally important is the price point. At launch, the Nucleus-M II Ultimate Kit is priced around $1,299 (introductory offer), which is remarkably affordable given the feature set. (For reference, high-end wireless FIZ systems from legacy brands can cost 5–10× this price.) Tilta’s goal is clearly to empower creators on a budget with pro-level focus control. As Tilta states, the M II delivers “big-budget features at a fraction of the cost” and redefines what’s possible in wireless follow focus technology for independent productions.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Learn More
The Tilta Nucleus-M II is available for pre-order as of spring 2025. The Ultimate Kit (which includes the hand unit, two motors, both handgrips, gears, cables, and a hard case) is listed at $1,299 (discounted from $1,999) during the introductory period. Tilta is running this launch deal until May 15, with an expected shipping window of 4–8 weeks.
Filmmakers can find more details and full specifications on the official Tilta product page and the B&H Photo Video listing for the Nucleus-M II. Both sites provide comprehensive breakdowns of the kit contents, compatibility, and tech specs. B&H has also published a news article about the Nucleus-M II’s debut, highlighting the major upgrades and offering a place to submit questions.
If you’re an indie creator looking to step up your focus-pulling game, the Nucleus-M II is certainly a product to watch. With its blend of advanced features and indie-friendly design, this Mark II system is poised to become a go-to wireless follow focus for content creators and cinematographers alike. Check out the links above to learn more or to place an order and get ready to experience a new level of control over your shots.
