Tilta Mirage Released – Motorized Variable ND Matte Box

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 20^th, 2021

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After leaving us hanging with the teaser of a new lightweight matte box back in July, Tilta has finally brought it to life. The new Tilta Mirage Matte Box can host a circular 95mm filter as well as a standard 4×5.65” one. An innovative wireless ecosystem allows for remote control of variable NDs. Let’s take a closer look.

A few months ago Tilta released a teaser video of a new matte box and invited filmmakers around the world to engage in a giveaway by finding out its mysterious features.

Finally the wait is over. Extremely lightweight and compact, the Tilta Mirage Matte Box is finally here. Its new ecosystem allows for remote control of variable ND filters. Let’s see how it works. And by the way, my colleague Johnnie sat down with the guys at Tilta to ask some questions. So make sure to check out the video below.

Tilta Mirage: a two-filter matte box

The new Tilta Mirage Matte Box features two filter trays. It can host a circular 95mm VND or effect filter along with a standard 4×5.65” one. Circular filters have a couple of advantages over their rectangular couterpart: a more affordable price and lighter weight.

This matte box is compatible with photographic lenses ranging from 67 to 82mm as well as cinema glass of 80 and 95mm in diameter. The accessory connects to the lens using the included adapters rings or dual 15mm rod holder. Since the outer diameter of the matte box is 95mm, lenses of this size mount directly without the need of an adapter ring.

Remotely control your variable ND filter

The most innovative feature of this new model is the ability to remotely control the intensity of the variable ND filter by rotating a little gear on the circular filter tray. Tilta offers a 9-stop variable ND option ranging from 0.3 to 2.7.

A newly developed micro motor can be installed on the circular filter tray and it connects directly to the gear. A 14500 battery (mountable using a clip-on holder) or the micro USB port provide power to the motor.

A brand new remote controller allows for wireless control and calibration of the micro motor. A 18650 battery provides power to the controller, which also features a NATO rail as a mounting option.

If you are a Nucleus-M or Nano owner, there’s some good news. In fact, this new wireless ecosystem is backward and cross-compatible with the existing Tilta follow focus systems.

The Nucleus-M and Nano remote controllers are compatible with the new micro motor. Viceversa, the new remote controller pairs to the Nucleus-M and Nano motors which can act as a replacement for the new micro motor.

Lightweight design: the sky is the limit

Weighing only 130g, the Tilta Mirage is designed with lightness in mind. Indeed the matte box can be broken down into a lighter setup. The top flag is removable and the front hood of the matte comes down as well, making this accessory great for gimbal and aerial work.

But that’s not all. A supreme level of lightness is achievable by using only the circular filter tray with a clamp-on adapter. This solution still preserves the possibility of remotely controlling the variable ND.

Price and availability

The Tilta Mirage Matte Box doesn’t offer all the features of much more complex systems, like the cmotion Cinefade VariND. However, its lightweight and compact design along with the VND remote control function make this product a unique and interesting solution in its price range.

The Tilta Mirage Matte Box is now available for pre-order at B&H for $119 (matte box only). A medium package, including the variable ND, can be purchased for $369, while the full package (including the wireless motor and controller) is available for $599.

Do you feel the need to wirelessly control your variable ND filter? What do you think of the new Title Mirage system? Let us know in the comments below!