Iceland’s Rift gravel race is more than just a competition—it’s a test of endurance across an alien landscape. For Gábor Nagy, it was also the perfect opportunity to tell a deeply human story set against vast and unpredictable nature.

Filming The Rift meant chasing cyclists across black sand deserts, volcanic valleys, and glacial plains. Gábor worked alone and had to move fast, adapting to sudden weather changes and remote terrain. He needed gear that was compact, reliable, and cinematic.

“The camera setup had to be light enough to carry into the highlands—but powerful enough to tell a beautiful story."

Gábor's main workhorses for the project were the Sony Alpha 7R V and Alpha 7S III - chosen for their robust build, dynamic range, and exceptional low-light performance.

His lens choices gave him flexibility in fast-paced environments:

• FE 20-70mm f/4 G: Perfect for wide-to-mid shots, interviews, and landscape.
• FE 14mm f/1.8 GM: Ideal for close-ups and super-wide shots.
• FE 100–400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS: Used for dynamic action and distant shots of riders.

He also relied on Sony’s in-body image stabilisation, AI autofocus performance, and compact form factor—critical when filming from moving cars or hiking into locations.

“We had to be nimble, carry everything ourselves, and still shoot a cinematic story, that’s why Sony gear was the only choice.”

Although The Rift features breathtaking visuals, what draws viewers in is its intimate narrative. Gábor chose to follow a single cyclist’s journey for 6 months—her training, doubts, triumphs—to give the film emotional depth.

The ability to shoot tight, expressive moments with Sony’s fast primes and responsive autofocus made all the difference. Whether tracking her through blowing wind or capturing silent reflections before the start line, the Alpha system allowed Gábor to stay focused on the story.

If you're a filmmaker, content creator, or simply curious how adventure stories come to life, watching both The Rift and the Masterclass is essential. The film shows what’s possible when narrative and gear work together. The Masterclass shows you how to get there.

Explore the Alpha Academy Masterclass — and learn how to film powerful outdoor stories with Sony gear.

Crew

Director + DOP: Gábor Nagy
Editor: Tomi Szabó
Colourist: Márton Kovács
Sound: Balázs Győri
Graphics: István Csekk
Assistant: Petra Marada

Sponsored by:

Sony Europe
7Mesh
1OF1 Austrian Bikes