Tilta Nucleus-N: wireless follow-focus system with 180g motor module, 0.8 Nm torque, ±0.1° accuracy. OLED touchscreen remote, 24h battery life, <40ms latency.
The motor unit weighs 180 grams and features a maximum torque of 0.8 Nm with a positional accuracy of ±0.1 degrees. The remote control operates with a 32-bit ARM processor and offers a 1.3-inch OLED touchscreen for parameter control. The system supports 0.8 module gears (32 pitch) and can operate lenses with a focus ring diameter ranging from 52mm to 114mm. Latency is under 40 milliseconds. The integrated lithium-ion battery allows for up to 24 hours of operation.
Tilta introduced the Nucleus-N in 2017 as a compact alternative to established follow focus systems. The Chinese company developed the system in response to the growing demand for affordable, professional wireless follow focus solutions in the emerging creator market. In 2019, the expanded Nucleus-M followed, with additional motors for aperture and zoom. Since 2021, the system has also supported modern full-frame cameras with large-volume lenses.
The system finds application in gimbal shots, crane, and drone movements where traditional mechanical follow focus systems are not usable. In Steadicam operations, it allows focus pullers to work off-camera without affecting balance. Programmable A/B focus points enable rapid focus shifts between predefined distances. In tight shooting situations, the focus puller can be positioned outside the frame while precise focus control is maintained.
The Nucleus-N positions itself between inexpensive consumer systems and high-end solutions like the Preston FIZ or Arri WCU-4. Unlike mechanical follow focus systems such as the Arri FF-5, it eliminates cable connections and mechanical transmissions. The competing DJI Focus system offers similar functionality but with proprietary integration into DJI gimbals. For larger productions with multiple cameras, the Preston MDR-3 remains the preferred choice due to its longer range and higher channel count.
Das Nucleus-N hat meine Arbeitsweise bei Gimbal-Shots revolutioniert – ich kann endlich präzise Fokusverläufe fahren, ohne dass der Focus-Puller neben mir stehen muss. Die geringe Latenz von unter 40ms macht spontane Reaktionen auf unvorhersehbare Bewegungen möglich, besonders bei dokumentarischen Drehs.
Ich nutze die programmierbaren Fokuspunkte für dramaturgisch wichtige Momente – der Wechsel zwischen Vorder- und Hintergrund lässt sich millimetergenau vorplanen und beliebig wiederholen. Das gibt mir bei emotionalen Szenen die Sicherheit, dass der technische Aspekt der Schärfeverlagerung perfekt sitzt.
Das System amortisiert sich nach drei Drehtagen gegenüber der Miete von Preston-Equipment und reduziert meine Crew um einen Assistant, da der Focus-Puller flexibler arbeiten kann. Die 24-Stunden-Akkulaufzeit eliminiert Produktionsunterbrechungen durch Batteriewechsel.
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