At Cine Gear 2024, Tilta showed the new Hydra Alien Pro, a new, smaller, shock-absorbing arm for gimbals like the popular DJI Ronin. While it may be smaller, it actually has a higher payload of approximately 30 lbs. than the Hydra Alien, and it is designed to be used on shorter extension arms.
The idea is that you can mount it on a strong 50mm pipe mount (front, rear, left, right) rail or suction cups to your vehicle for smooth, creative car shots and then pack it all back up easily and quickly.
The existing Ronin control systems from Tilta are fully compatible with the Hydra Alien Pro. It is also compatible with the Roninn 2.
Key features
- Utilizes a new electronic damping control system
- Uses a combination of spring, hydraulic, and pneumatic shock absorption
- Easy adjustment (real-time wireless control when operating in car)
- Equipped with a secure intelligent suction cup (electronic?)
- Compatible with various types of stabilizers
- Compact and easy to store, can be checked in as airline luggage
A new feature is motors on the dampening head. This allows the user to manually adjust how stiff the dampening is, and possibly an app will be developed to do so on the fly.
Electronic Functions
- Parameter adjustment screen
- Screen protector
- Type-C (for firmware upgrades)
- 14.8V power output (Max 6A)
- 14.8V power input
While the system is more powerful the power draw is fairly similar to the Hydra Alien. It’s nice that the whole system including the Ronin is powered from two V-Mount batteries.
Software Settings Operation
- Current wireless signal status
- If using a handle, control adjustment can be done inside the car, showing connection status and signal strength
- Power voltage
- Monitors current voltage; if too low, it displays red, and the car handle vibrates/beeps to remind battery replacement
- Damping force 0-100
- Adjust damping force according to different road conditions and shooting effects
- Load mode (light, medium, heavy)
- Choose the appropriate load mode based on the mount situation
- Light mode: Suitable for DJI RS series stabilizers, mounting mirrorless cameras weighing (4-7 KG)
- Medium mode: Suitable for Movi-Pro, Ronin-M stabilizers, mounting mirrorless and DSLR cameras weighing (7-10 KG)
- Heavy mode: Suitable for DJI Ronin 2 stabilizer, mounting professional cameras weighing (10-13 KG)
- Choose the appropriate load mode based on the mount situation
Pricing & Availability
The Hydra Alien Pro arm costs around $2000 USD, and a more advanced kit that includes many accessories, such as a suction cup mount, dovetail, and extensions, will cost around $3000 USD. Availability will be announced later this summer.
