Tilta has launched several innovative products over the last decade while, at the same time, managing to keep its price points accessible to a wide set of users. They’ve given filmmakers, especially low and medium budget productions, tools that are both long-standing and affordable. Consider the Nucleus-M wireless follow focus system and Gravity G2X gimbal, for example. These gadgets are a filmmaker’s dream come true, making shooting smoother and more precise. The products are reliable, user-friendly, and are often found in rental houses. Now, to add to its already impressive lineup of filmmaking equipment, Tilta has just released an update to its extremely popular Nano series: the Nucleus Nano II Hand Wheel Controller, Nucleus Nano II Motor Kit and Nucleus Nano II Wireless Lens Control System.
Tilta Nucleus Nano II Hand Wheel Controller
The new hand wheel controller now has a large, bright, 1.6” touchscreen that displays user information and, most importantly, it is no longer only a single-channel controller but instead can control two motors natively. You can control the focus using the main dial and, with the rocker, you can also control either aperture or iris settings. If you attach an additional lens control handle, you can also add the ability to control up to four motors.
The new Nano II Hand Wheel Controller will also give you access to some camera and gimbal functionality. The iris control on the handle is compatible with the DJI RS2 and RS3 Pro gimbals. The handle also has integrated camera control with select Sony, Black Magic, and Canon cameras. Aside from this control, this system is backwards and cross compatible with the previous Nucleus Nano Motor as well as the new Nucleus Motor system.
You’ll also receive lens data information via the controller so you can save multiple lenses and calibrate them ahead of time, then load them in when you need them.
Tilta Nucleus Nano II Motor Kit
The new Nucleus Nano II Motor has also been massively upgraded. With five times the amount of torque of the previous version, it can now handle a much larger array of lenses. This is particularly great for those (like me) who have vintage lenses that are a little stiff. I trust this motor will now be able to handle them! Another great feature of the new motor is its USB-C in and out ports, which allow for increased flexibility when powering multiple motors.
The motor uses the standardized 15mm rod attachment and works with standard sized 0.8M gearing, making it compatible with most lenses. Plus, the kit includes a gear ring to attach to lenses that don’t have one built in. Calibration is just as simple as before with an intuitive single press to switch between focus, iris, and zoom functions.
Tilta Nucleus Nano II Wireless Lens Control System
This is the fully updated and complete Nucleus Nano II Wireless Lens Control System, including both the new Nano II Hand Wheel Controller and Nucleus Nano II Motor Kit.
The system includes the handwheel, which has gone through a massive redesign adding tons of new features, including a bright touchscreen to get distance, aperture, or zoom readouts. This system also includes the new motor that has much more torque than its predecessor, allowing you to use it with a greater variety of lenses.
Who Should Consider These Tilta Tools?
The price really does belie how advanced of a tool you are getting with the Nucleus Nano II. This is a product that will not only be used by solo operators, but also seasoned professionals. The Nucleus Nano II system is the perfect tool for filmmakers who often find themselves using drones, gimbals, car mounts, or any other situation where accessing your camera is difficult, or even impossible.
While you are looking at this product, you may also want to check out Tilta’s Advanced Ring Grip for the DJI Ronin RS 2 Gimbal. This system is great for distributing the weight of a gimbal.
I often see camera operators using the single-handed grip and strain themselves trying to keep it stable. This ring allows you to spread the weight and keep your gimbal and lens control system stable, ultimately allowing for better shots. Also, if you add on one last piece of equipment, such as an Easy Rig Minimax, that will help save your strength as well.
