The Tilta Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Base Kit brings Sony autofocus control to manual PL cinema lenses on compatible Sony E-mount cameras. Built for Sony FX3, FX30, FX6 and select Sony Alpha/FX bodies, this E-to-PL adapter reads the camera's phase-detection autofocus data and drives compatible Tilta Nucleus motors, giving Canadian camera crews a way to combine PL glass with face and eye tracking style autofocus workflows.

Product Video

Watch Tilta's setup overview for the Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter, including Nano II motor setup, M II motor setup, lens profile selection, motor assignment, and firmware updates.

Product Overview

The Tilta Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Base Kit is for operators who want to use manual ARRI PL-mount cinema lenses while still taking advantage of autofocus data from supported Sony E-mount camera bodies. The adapter sits between the Sony camera and PL lens, then communicates focus commands to the Nucleus ecosystem so a motor can physically drive the lens focus ring. A built-in lens library speeds setup for supported lenses, while manual lens mapping lets you add specialty or vintage lenses through the adapter interface. The Base Kit is the right starting point when you already own compatible Nucleus-M II or Nucleus Nano II motors and need the E-to-PL adapter, rod support, and required control/power cables.

Key Features

• Sony E-mount to ARRI PL-mount autofocus adapter for compatible Sony Alpha and FX cameras.
• Designed for Sony FX3, FX30, FX6 and select supported Sony bodies up to FX6.
• Uses camera phase-detection AF data to drive compatible Tilta Nucleus motors on manual PL cinema lenses.
• Built-in lens profile library for faster setup with supported lenses.
• Manual lens mapping for specialty, vintage, or unlisted lenses.
• AF/MF override support via the Nucleus-M II FIZ Hand Unit.
• Base Kit includes adapter, 15mm rod support, rods, Allen key, power cable, and dual USB-C control cable.

How It Compares

Choose the Base Kit if you already have Nucleus Nano II or Nucleus-M II motors and only need the autofocus adapter package. Choose the Dual Nano II Motor Kit if you want a more complete package with two Nucleus Nano II motors and an F970 battery plate included. Compared with a standard passive E-to-PL adapter, the Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter is built around active motor-driven focus control, lens profiles, and integration with Tilta's wireless lens control ecosystem.

Compatible Accessories and Related Gear

• Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Dual Nano II Motor Kit - the fuller kit with two Nano II motors and an F970 battery plate.
• Tilta Nucleus Nano II FIZ Lens Control Motor Kit - useful when building out the Base Kit with Nano II motor control.
• Tilta Nucleus-M II Ultimate Kit - a higher-end wireless lens control system for larger focus, iris, and zoom workflows.
• Tilta L Series Battery Plate - an L-series power accessory for Tilta rig builds.

Who Is This For?

This Base Kit fits owner-operators, focus pullers, small cinema crews, rental houses, and Sony FX shooters who already own Nucleus motors and want autofocus support with manual PL cinema lenses. It is especially useful for gimbal, solo-operator, interview, documentary, and commercial setups where PL lens character is important but autofocus can speed operation.

Who Should Choose Something Else?

Choose the Dual Nano II Motor Kit if you do not already own compatible motors. Choose a standard passive E-to-PL adapter if you only need lens mounting and do not need motor-driven autofocus. This adapter is not for Sony BURANO or FX9, is not designed for the Viltrox E-mount to Z-mount adapter, and current firmware does not support zoom functionality or 2x anamorphic lenses.

In the Box

• 1 x Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter
• 1 x 15mm Rod Adapter
• 2 x Aluminum Rods, 15 x 100mm, Black
• 1 x 3mm Allen Key
• 1 x Nucleus 7-Pin to USB-C Power Cable, 36cm
• 1 x Dual USB-C Control Cable for Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter

Specs

FAQ

What does the Tilta Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Base Kit do?

It lets compatible Sony E-mount cameras use their autofocus data to drive Tilta Nucleus motors on manual PL cinema lenses. The adapter does not turn the lens into an electronic AF lens; it uses external motors to move the lens rings.

Which cameras is the Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter designed for?

Tilta lists compatibility with Sony Alpha and FX bodies such as FX3, FX30 and FX6. The adapter is not compatible with Sony BURANO or FX9 because of clearance issues with their locking E-mount design.

Do I need Nucleus motors with the Base Kit?

Yes. The Base Kit is best when you already own compatible Nucleus-M II or Nucleus Nano II motors. If you need motors included, choose the Dual Nano II Motor Kit instead.

Can the adapter work with unlisted lenses?

Yes, unlisted or specialty lenses can be mapped manually through the adapter interface. Supported lenses can load profiles from the built-in lens library for faster setup.

Does the adapter support iris and zoom control?

With two wireless motors, users can adjust iris through the camera's electronic control path. Current firmware does not support zoom functionality or 2x anamorphic lenses.

Where to Buy in Canada

Filmgear Canada carries the Tilta Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Base Kit for Canadian Sony FX, PL lens, and Tilta Nucleus users. Order online or contact us if you are comparing the Base Kit with the Dual Nano II Motor Kit for your camera package.