The TRUTH about SmallRig Magic Fiz: Better than Tilta Nano?

[@FlyingLapMedia]

That shake transition was pretty clever. 👏👏👏

[@JasonMorrisphotocinema]

Brilliant work as usual Armando 🔥

[@mondobytes]

Thanks mate 👊🏽

[@Howdyp770]

I love the detail you put into this product, I think I need to get my hands on one (or two 😜) of these. Thanks for the video!!!

[@meladkareme5851]

To drop this video at the exact same time that tilta just announced the nucleus nano 2 @ NAB with matching or better features in every single aspect... its either marketing genius or just bad luck for smallrig.

[@jack.4049]

Just wondering what makes the nano II better?

[@VIPAH]

I like the idea that you can hook up the Sony NP battery straight to the motor, as opposed to running a daisy chain cable to link the FIZ which connects via DTap to the V mount battery. It eliminates draining the V mount battery and less messy cables, but it does make the motor look a bit chunky and adding more weight to the rig. Interesting and thoughtful presentation 👍💯

[@dqstudios]

Thanks for the review! Totally agree on the tilta nano being over hyped. I would recommend reaching out to PD Movie to check out their Live Air 3 system. It’s the smallest most reliable wireless follow focus I’ve used. Cheers!

[@terrygriffin5201]

I agree. But the lidar system needs work. If the fix or get it when it can pull focus more reliable and not hunt with manual lens, the Small rig and Tilta will need to up there game for sure. 😊

[@davidp158]

Thanks for the review! It’s good to see SmallRig up their game and expand into new products. This product has some great features but I am concerned about how reliable the grip mount will be. Having owned many SmallRig parts, their one consistent failure is weak mechanical connections. The loose grip mount is typical of a SmallRig product. Other SmallRig parts I own use screws and bolts that are way under sized, lacking grip power and surface contact. These failures are so common that I suspect their design team will not embrace more robust options.

[@zygote8888]

Great gadget and very well explained thanks Armando 👍🏼

[@christopherjolly]

I use the Nucleus-M because it has zero delay and I can daisy chain motors and a hand grip (allowing me to power my focus system from a single power outlet on the battery plate when configured as a shoulder rig); not because it looks pretty. The trouble with systems like this SmallRig and the Nucleus Nano (Mk1) is the delay between turning the wheel and the motor responding. Unless you’re using a Teradek there’s always a small delay with the wireless video feed; so the 1AC reacts to a delayed image, then there’s another step of delay added by the focus handgrip to the motor. Many times it can be easier and cheaper just to use a mechanical follow focus on the side of the lens.

[@GarCorStudio]

Awesome review. I have both the earlier PD movie remote live system as well as the Tilta Nucleus Nano with the newer side handle and really like both systems. I was interested in this Smallrig magicfiz, until I saw Tilta’s new Nucleus Nano 2 being displayed in NAB. And from what I understand, it will even control older version motors. Would be nice to compare both systems. Keep up the great work Armando.

[@focusmedia2465]

Nice setup and great demonstration review

[@CPSWEDEN]

Just bought the smallrig f40 and it’s beautiful but man the magic fiz is looking mighty fine doing those longer focus pulls. This will be my next buy. Great review! ❤

[@donbrownlow4524]

Great review, sir: brief while thorough. The Smallrig package will indeed fit my needs.

[@BK-Marketing]

Sadly, I had to return mine.. the motor was not able to zoom my 24-105mm lens, constantly and suddenly getting "blocked" combined with a lound "brrrrrr" sound.. nice for audio work. (and it was connected to a vmount battery, so not enough voltage was not the issue). The handgrip is CHEAP plastic, which you simply won't trust to hold your expensive setup. You can't rotate the grip and the pieces needed to connect the handgrip to your cage, like the nato rail clamp, or the arri rosset clamp CANNOT be bought separately, so check "your package includes" otherwise you are stuck. Now I wait for the Nano II release of their handgrip package..

[@earnieboy54]

Ain’t no way I’m picking that over the nucleus m. I’ve had both and sold the Smallrig because it’s small, yeah, but battery changes on the motors was poop juice. It’s nice for what it does but it wasn’t replacing my nucleus m in the slightest. Good to know of other options tho for those that may need it.

[@gringo6f]

Hola Armando! Very good review! it looks like they are very good. I would like it if you did it in Spanish too. thank you in advance

[@LSH086]

same

[@jimtowns]

Hey Armando- can you share a link to the correct NP-F battery type for the motor? I just got this and really dig it, but none of my other batteries seem to fit it. Thanks!

[@OnurBinay]

Amazing setup and great review 💯

[@B-Moye]

This is a very well done review! Also excited for the tech itself as well

[@topicruben]

Thanks, Armando. It looks very functional 🙏. Cheers

[@mondobytes]

Hope you’re doing good my friend.

[@topicruben]

@@mondobytes Thanks, brother. Everything under control 🙏 Likewise

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video Armando! Thanks for making it.

[@ShermanWilliamsVideo]

Great review!

[@davidlafleche27]

Armando! Or anyone else, I've purchased the single motor version to handle focus on my shoulder rig. Unfortunately, the single motor kit does not come with the Arri adapter to fit the handle on my shoulder rig. I just can't seem to find the adapter sold separately. Any clues to how to purchase it ? Thanks

[@Itsallgoodtogo]

I'm interested in how strong the motor is ... Been using the Tilta nucleus-n for a few years and I'm tilted(pun not intended) at how weak the motor can be, where you have to be very specific about your lens choice ... if there is a bit too much resistance it just starts jumping gears or stops working

[@mondobytes]

Motors are insanely strong, can handle any lens easily

[@arcshotfilms]

Been looking for a solution for my BMPCC 6k, this seems to be the one. Great insights!! One question though, can I know the make of the mini tripod you are using in this video

[@CyB3Rk3]

Not much info to find about this follow focus just that some people are not happy about it. I have the problem with the magic Fiz on the R5 it can connect but it can not start Recording. What could it be?

[@darrenorange2982]

Funny that you post this now with Tilta announcement. I purchased this and still even after the news am very happy with this.

[@DenmasUlin]

3:26 what's tripod?

[@TheDailyDriver]

I’m selling my smallrig kit for the tilta. It’s too weak and I can’t get the voltage up despite Smallrig saying it’s possible with the D-Tap - usb c cable which I purchased and still no luck.

[@mondobytes]

That’s odd, I find the motors to be too strong. It’s definitely the cable you’re using, because I’ve tried every configuration possible and the only time I saw a voltage drop is using a V Mount USB A to C. It was only giving me 5 volts. You should buy a Kondor Blue D-Tap cable to USB C and you’ll see a massive difference

[@JesusPursuit]

I have the same lens you do in the beginning of this video but mine makes noise when. the focus motor. turns without using the smallrig gear rings...do something wrong?

[@matslagle]

I bought one but cannot find the arri adapter for it. Is it still on their site?

[@TEN27]

So surprised smallrig didn’t allow angle adjustments with the handle.

[@the_user0069]

we will have to wait for the nucleus nano 2

[@robsquad_films]

Hi how is the handle? I purchased the handgrip/focus kit but I’ve been seeing the handle feels cheap/not sturdy to use as a side handle. What are your thoughts?

[@jhoeri7403]

Wondering if you have any tips about the record button? Mine doesn’t start recording on my FX3, even though it says it’s connected via bluetooth

[@353Studios]

Thanks. I wasnt sure .... but now I've made my decision. (p.s. are you Brazilian?)

[@CineDailies]

that's pretty impressive

[@ymer2501]

so what about delay? is there any delays, precisions?

[@mondobytes]

Nope

[@snapsbyreyes]

What is that stubby tripod holding this in the table? I could totally use that for my desk vlog setup.

[@justjesse247]

Looks like he put a ifotage cobra base together with a Komodo head

[@MrExel47]

Is there a handle for the left side also available?

[@theshortlist]

And the winner is Tilta Nano II ?

[@terrygriffin5201]

So Amarndo, do you think this by Small rig beats out the NEW Tilta Nano II Nucleus? I and others value your honest opinion. I can also ask and include the PDMOVIE Live Air Smart 3 with Lidar like features. What are your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

[@mondobytes]

Yes without a doubt, Tilta sucks when it comes to electronics.

[@gregoryflatt]

Has anyone tested the motor on a long zoom? I would love to be able to control the zoom on my 100-500 Canon lens.

[@mondobytes]

Works fine

[@RunKingFilm]

Is this motor able to rotate the zoom ring on the Tamron 16-300mm lens? This zoom works quite hard. Regards

[@mondobytes]

Lol easily!

[@RunKingFilm]

@@mondobytes Thanks 🙂

[@RunKingFilm]

@@mondobytes I checked practically and it is not able to work with this zoom. The motor locks up with an error message. I'm returning it to Small RIg.

[@mondobytes]

@@RunKingFilm works fine on my unit, I’ll ask my friend to let me borrow his lens again and make a video. What are you using to power it, how much voltage?

[@RunKingFilm]

@@mondobytes The problem is in the lens ... zoom works extremely hard. I need smooth zoom and I think I'll use manual follow focus. Unfortunately, such a solution does not give perfect fluidity. I power the motor from the NP-F... 7.2V battery. I wonder if it would be possible to connect two motors to one ring? 🙂I would also try with a higher voltage, e.g. 16V, but how to connect it? 🙂

[@ErisedMediaCo]

How does this compare to the Tilta Nucleus Nano II 2 motor package?

[@mondobytes]

Not a fan of the Tilta one

[@Pixcube_Foto_Video]

brand of the little tripod ? thanks for your nice review !

[@justjesse247]

looks like an ifotage cobra base with a Komodo head

[@WesleyClouden]

Still love the PDMovie its just works and works great

[@skycity9097]

can you show your fx3 rig with magicfiz

[@aarontimizar]

Hi I bought the MagicFIZ and I power it using D-TAP to usb-c from my V-mount battery plate. I noticed the focus motor only need 7,4 V and my D- tap cable gives a 15 V output. I also noticed that the focus motor gets very hot while using this set up. Is this normal or should I be worried? Thank you.

[@mondobytes]

Probably not a good idea using so much voltage, I’d keep it max 7V

[@lau211190]

I wonder how it compares to the new tilta nano they just released

[@_rhapsodist]

exactly my first thought too

[@247.mp4]

In function i guess its nearly the same. I mean, its a wireless ff. When it comes to extras like camera settings control or gimbal control i guess the tilta wins. Still not sure about the "big" display on it

[@richardweddle3408]

Is it noisy? Would an external mic on the camera pick up the motor sound?

[@mondobytes]

@@richardweddle3408 no it’s very quiet

[@richardweddle3408]

@@mondobytes -- thanks, that makes up my mind.

[@LiveAlohaOhana]

What tripod is that ?

[@TheVexHead]

Hi Armando! What about latency compared to the Nucleus M?

[@mondobytes]

I’ve experienced virtually no latency and even when I’ve asked my First AC how it compares he says it’s the same.

[@TheVexHead]

@@mondobytes Great! Do you agree the Nucleus N had visible more latency compared to the M?

[@mondobytes]

@@TheVexHead Thr Nucleus N was unusable for me, really bad latency and not enough power.

[@SixKilla]

god tier functionality

[@LubaLuba1]

Can I use canon lens?

[@mondobytes]

Yes if it’s a photo lens you just need to attach the gears

[@LubaLuba1]

@@mondobytes without adapter? and what about electronic shutter vs mechanical shutter ? Because both of these cameras are mirrorless how does it have mechanical shutter.

[@dukepham]

nice

[@Frame_IT]

Very nice quality, video looks to much like the timelab pro video.. so not very original

[@zloslov]

Here I have nothing to do as soon as I collect many types of batteries. Batteries from Canon are used for the handle, a battery from Sony is used for the motor itself, and the controller generally has a built-in battery! And this is despite the fact that my monitor runs on NP-F batteries. This follow focus was invented by idiots. You can buy a handle for tilta nucleus nano, which itself will feed the motor itself through the sony np-f battery. And it will be the most elegant solution.

[@KristophTy]

Just bought the Tilta Nano II.... 😆 Soooo much better than all above....

[@TimHunold]

2 different battery types required 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@michaelmazzen]

Better than the Tilta nucleus ll but the placement of the usb c port on the handle is the most idiotic design blunder ever. It makes it totally unusable as a left grip. Just keep that in mind if purchasing. USB PD is only possible if you have it on the left. USB C is horrible enough as is without you constantly struggling to not break it off with yout left left hand. I know its not a Preston or Arri and considering how dirt cheap it is - its amazing value for money. But would it kill them to use Lemo or Fischer og XLR for PD? These are solid industri standard - not that flimsy usb c non-standard garbage.

[@aslanyureky]

Motor needs Sony NP battery, handgrip needs canon LP battery, really? That's reason enough not to buy a product.

[@Renaissauntstudios]

Maybe lp dummy to d tap then usbc to motor (only v mount battery used)

[@Bobdrumbro]

for me this system has been nothing but horror. Had a new motor sent in. Because the connection for the buttons on the motor got loose. That new motor is now getting unbelievably hot and in use has I really hi pitch sound coming out of the unit. No not using the wrong voltage even happens with their own battery clip. The motor isn’t strong enough. Would not recommend this system under any circumstances for critical work. Please save yourself the frustration of working with this system.

[@mondobytes]

Seems like you got a defective unit my dude I use this almost every day lol

[@Bobdrumbro]

@@mondobytes yeah but with that being the second one in a 3 months with two different problems not sure if I can thrust this system to perform if they sent me another unit. but than three times the charm haha.

[@justinhumphrey1516]

That thing is loud.

[@WildExposures]

Sounds rather noisey.....

[@v.king_art9653]

Buen video Armando. He tenido este sistema y la verdad es que me decepciono mucho. Los acabados son premium. Wireless control system muy bien. Pero el tamaño de los motores…. Mas las npf baterías. Es de chiste si grabas handheld. Y encima el cierre del motor tan en una posición horrible. Tengo baseplate de Smallrig y con todo el kit puesto en mi sony a7siii imposible apoyar la cámara porque los cierres de los motores quedan mucho mas abajo del baseplate. Y la cámara se cae de lado…. Velocidad de los motores insuficiente con los objetivos cine los mismo DZO con 270 grados de giro de enfoque. Es sistema solo veo como opción para usar con un gimbal/grua o en un tripode. Pero creo que PDMovie es bastante mejor alternativa.