Tilta Nucleus-M II: Is It Worth Upgrading?
The Tilta Nucleus-M has been a popular wireless follow focus system among indie filmmakers since its introduction in 2017. Now, its successor – the Nucleus-M II (Mark II) – has arrived, bringing a host of improvements. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth upgrading, or you’re choosing between the two, this detailed comparison will break down all the key differences. We’ll look at what’s changed in the Mark II versus the original Nucleus-M in terms of specifications, features, and real-world benefits for filmmakers. By the end, you should have a clear idea of what’s new, what’s better, and why it matters for your shoots.
4-Channel Control vs. 3-Channel: ND Filter Integration
One of the most significant upgrades is the jump from a 3-channel system to a 4-channel system. The original Nucleus-M allowed wireless control of three lens axes – focus, iris, and zoom. The Nucleus-M II adds a fourth channel to control a motorized ND filter (or other accessory). In practice, this means you can now adjust exposure via an electronic variable ND (such as Tilta’s Mirage VND system) remotely, in addition to the lens’s focus, iris, and zoom. For filmmakers, this is a game-changer in certain scenarios. On gimbal or Steadicam shots, for example, you often cannot easily access a physical ND filter on the lens. With the Mark II, a fourth motor can be mounted to an ND filter wheel, letting you dial in exposure on the fly without touching the camera.
The original Nucleus-M had no provision for a fourth motor, so ND adjustments had to be done manually or with makeshift solutions. The M II’s expanded control channels bring it closer to high-end FIZ systems used on big sets, giving indie crews more flexibility for dynamic lighting conditions. It’s worth noting that aside from ND control, the four channels of the Nucleus-M II could be purposed creatively (for instance, controlling a zoom rocker or special effects motors), but ND integration is the headline use-case Tilta designed for. If your filmmaking involves a lot of run-and-gun or outdoor scenes, the convenience of wireless ND control alone might justify the upgrade.
Hand Unit Interface: Touchscreen & Display Improvements
Perhaps the most immediately noticeable difference is the hand unit itself. The original Nucleus-M hand controller had a 1.3-inch monochrome OLED screen for basic info and used physical marking discs for focus marks. The Nucleus-M II hand unit features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen display. This new screen dramatically improves the user interface, providing real-time readouts of focus distance, iris, and zoom values, as well as menu navigation via touch. In addition to the screen, the Mark II introduces an electronic focus marking disc. This is a digital ring on the controller that can show marks and distance scales illuminated from beneath. In low-light situations or when precise repeatable focus pulls are needed, the electronic disc helps the focus puller hit the mark every time. You can even save lens mapping profiles (more on that shortly) so that the on-screen marks correspond to actual distance measurements.
The new hand unit is also more ergonomically versatile. The focus wheel module on the M II is detachable and can be mounted on either side of the controller. The original Nucleus-M’s wheel was fixed in place (right-handed by default). This improvement means left-handed operators or ACs can configure the hand unit for comfortable use – a thoughtful design change acknowledging that not all camera assistants are right-handed. Moreover, the wheel’s tension is adjustable on the Mark II, whereas the original had a fixed damping feel. Experienced focus pullers know that having the right amount of drag on the focus wheel can make fine focus adjustments easier; now you can dial in your preferred feel.
In summary, the Nucleus-M II’s hand unit provides a far richer user experience: a bigger, brighter interface with touch controls and customizable ergonomics. The original was certainly functional, but the Mark II’s controller is more akin to high-end units like the ARRI WCU-4 in terms of information display and flexibility. If you found the original hand unit a bit limiting or “analog,” the new one is a compelling reason to upgrade.
Motor Performance: Torque, Response, and Anti-Interference
Tilta has overhauled the lens motors for the Mark II. The original Nucleus-M motors were already fairly strong (rated ~2.5 N·m of torque at 14.8V) and had a wireless range of about 1000 feet, which was impressive for its time. However, users did encounter occasional connectivity drop-outs or slight latency under interference-heavy environments. The Nucleus-M II motors feature increased torque in a smaller form factor. While exact torque figures haven’t been published yet, Tilta claims the new motors can drive cinema lenses even more smoothly. More importantly, the responsiveness has been improved to a 0.02-second latency thanks to an upgraded PID 2.0 algorithm. This essentially means any adjustment on the hand wheel is virtually instantaneous on the lens, with no perceptible lag or overshoot. Focus pulls feel more direct and controlled.
The Mark II also tackles wireless reliability with robust anti-interference measures and multiple channel options. It operates on 2.4 GHz frequencies like the original, but Tilta has given it four independent channel IDs to choose from, helping avoid interference when multiple wireless devices are on set. In practice, if you’re on a crowded film set or a location with lots of RF activity, the M II should maintain a steadier link between the controller and motors. The original Nucleus-M did allow channel switching as well, but Tilta has refined this with the Mark II for even stronger signal stability.
For users of the original, these motor upgrades mean the Nucleus-M II will handle tough focusing jobs (like pulling focus on a long zoom lens or a lens with stiff focus rings) with less strain. If you ever experienced a motor slipping or struggling on the old system, the new one promises a smoother ride. Additionally, the motors have an improved UI – they now have color-coded LED indicators and easier direction adjustment buttons, making setup faster.
Power Source: 18650 vs NP-F550 Batteries
Another practical difference is how the two systems are powered. The original Nucleus-M hand unit and grips used 18650 lithium-ion batteries (in fact, the FIZ hand unit took two 18650 cells). While effective, this required users to manage loose 18650 cells and chargers, which some found inconvenient. Not all 18650 batteries fit perfectly, leading to forum discussions about which brands worked without rattling or needing spacers. The Nucleus-M II has moved to the widely-used Sony L-series NP-F550 batteries for both the FIZ controller and the hand grips. These are the small camcorder batteries that many indie filmmakers already own for monitors, LED lights, etc. Each device takes one NP-F550, providing roughly 8–12 hours of operation.
The switch to NP-F offers several benefits:
Convenience: NP-F batteries are easier to find and swap. No need to fiddle with multiple 18650 cells or special chargers – you likely already have an NP-F charger and a stack of these batteries in your kit.
Longer runtime: The NP-F550 (approx 2000mAh) provides ample power. If you need more, you can even use larger NP-F750/970 batteries on the hand unit for extended shoots (though they will add weight).
Unified power for grips and FIZ: Both the wireless handgrips now also use NP-F, whereas the original grips each had an internal battery (charged via micro-USB) separate from the FIZ’s batteries. Now everything is using the same battery type, simplifying your power management.
For filmmakers in the field, this means one less proprietary thing to worry about. You can hot-swap a fresh NP-F on your hand unit in seconds and keep shooting. The original’s reliance on 18650s wasn’t a deal-breaker, but the Mark II’s approach is undeniably more user-friendly.
Lens Mapping and Data Storage
When it comes to precision and repeatability, lens mapping is a standout feature of the Nucleus-M II that the original lacks. The Mark II hand unit can store lens calibration profiles for up to 128 lenses in its memory. This means you can calibrate a lens once – mapping its focus throw (in distance units), iris marks (in T-stops), and zoom range (in focal length) – and save that data. Later, whenever you remount that lens, you simply load its profile and instantly have accurate readouts on your controller. The original Nucleus-M, by contrast, did not have any internal memory for lens data. You had to calibrate the motors each time you swapped a lens.
For professional 1st ACs (camera assistants) on set, lens mapping is invaluable. It allows pre-marking distances – for example, knowing that an actor’s mark is at 10 feet, you can dial that in on the hand unit and trust the readout. The Mark II’s display will show real units like feet or meters, which is a huge confidence boost when pulling focus under pressure.
The system also protects your marks and range even if the unit is power-cycled. It has a “MARK point & RANGE memory” feature that preserves critical focus points through power loss. For indie filmmakers, especially those using vintage lenses or cinema glass with long focus throws, the lens mapping feature can save time and improve accuracy.
Camera Control Features
Tilta has expanded the Nucleus-M II beyond just lens control. The new hand unit includes wireless camera control capabilities that the original only dabbled in. The Mark II takes this further by offering wireless adjustment of camera settings (on supported cameras) via Bluetooth integration. With compatible cameras (such as those that have Bluetooth control apps, like Blackmagic cameras or RED KOMODO/V-RAPTOR, etc.), the Nucleus-M II hand unit can communicate to adjust ISO, white balance, shutter angle, and initiate recording, all without cables.
For indie cinematographers, this means less fiddling with the camera menus mid-shot – a second AC or the DP themselves can make exposure or white balance tweaks from the hand unit while standing at the monitor. The original Nucleus-M lacks these advanced camera controls, so if remote camera operation is something you need, the M II clearly has an advantage.
Backward Compatibility and System Expansion
The Nucleus-M II is backward-compatible with first-gen Nucleus-M components. That means the new hand unit can control the old motors, and the old hand unit/handles can control the new motors. This allows a gradual upgrade path. Tilta also notes compatibility with the Nucleus Nano II (Tilta’s smaller single-channel focus system) and even DJI’s RS gimbal motors, indicating a focus on a unified ecosystem.
Price and Value Considerations
The original Nucleus-M was famous for its affordable price (~$1,200 USD for a full kit). The Nucleus-M II Ultimate Kit launches at $1,299 (introductory price). For roughly the same investment, the Mark II delivers a slew of modern features: more channels, better interface, stronger motors, lens mapping, etc. From a value perspective, Tilta has significantly increased the capabilities without a significant price hike, effectively future-proofing their wireless focus system while keeping it within reach of indie filmmakers.
Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For many users, the Tilta Nucleus-M II will feel like a matured, refined version of an already-successful product. It addresses virtually all the pain points of the original: power, feedback/display, expandability, and even user ergonomics. Indie filmmakers and prosumer cinematographers who demand more control over their image will find the Nucleus-M II a compelling tool. It allows you to pull focus, iris, zoom, and even ND filters seamlessly on your own or with a small crew, while keeping your eyes on the monitor and the story in frame.
In short, the Nucleus-M II offers significant upgrades that align with the needs of today’s indie filmmakers and cinematographers who are pushing the boundaries of small-scale production. Given that Tilta kept the price accessible, most serious users of the original will eventually find the upgrade worthwhile – even if just for the quality-of-life improvements.
