Camera Straps Just Grew Up (Again!)
If you’ve ever wrestled with a camera strap that digs into your shoulder, twists at the worst moment, or just feels like it was designed for someone else’s body, 3 Legged Thing’s new Axis Strap System promises a rethink.
It’s a home-grown British solution built for real photographers, available now on Kickstarter! Take a look at the Kickstarter Here
We’ve had the Axis Sling and the Axis 34 for a little over a week now, and they’ve already been put through their paces. I shot two halves of a soccer match and then wrangled a team portrait for 32 people (an annual tradition that’s always a lot of fun!).
During the game, I ran the Axis Sling with my Sony a7Rmk3 and Tamron 150-500mm, The sling’s QD attached to a QD plate on my lens’ foot. When it came time to line everyone up for the big team photo, I switched out to the Axis 34. Worn cross-body with the camera off to one side, Easily adjusting the strap up tighter to my body with the handy ‘easy-pull lever’ made moving around much easier. The QD buckle attachment feels so solid, I was confident it wasn’t going anywhere from that first click. Kicking goals!
Check out the Kickstarter for 3LeggedThing’s New Axis Strap Series Here
What really stands out for me is being able to swap where the strap connects. With the rock-solid QD buckle, I can clip straight into my L-bracket or a QD Arca Swiss compatible quick release plate — a true gamechanger. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but this time I feel like it genuinely applies.
Using the Arnie dedicated QD L-bracket on my camera and a QD arca swiss plate on the foot of my lens, I could use either connection points and have my camera hang at my side pretty much however I wanted, making it very easy to grab my camera and bring it up for a photo.
The Axis 34 has gained a regular slot in my camera bag – as someone who has used pretty much every style of camera strap available, I think the new Axis range from 3 Legged Thing is about as close to perfect, for me, as it gets.
Here’s what they say
British camera-support manufacturer 3 Legged Thing is bringing its trademark innovation and engineering expertise to the world of carry solutions with the launch of the Axis Strap System, debuting today on Kickstarter.
At the heart of Axis are two game-changing components: the beautifully unique 4-Axis QD Buckle and 3LT’s own take on an essential piece of hardware — the QD Swivel. Originally developed for astronautics, military and law-enforcement gear — even trusted by NASA for tethering cargo — this ultra-secure quick-detach system has been re-engineered by 3 Legged Thing to keep cameras safe, accessible and ready for action.
We designed the world’s first four-axis QD buckle — which means you can actually adjust how your strap fits and moves. All body shapes are different, so why should photographers settle for anything less than a tailored fit? Switch which socket you plug into to seamlessly contour the strap around your natural curves. Got a six-pack? Good for you. Working on a keg? Time to celebrate. Muffin top? We’ll make it fit. Moobs? Now you can style it out. ?
Made in Great Britain – Creating Local Jobs
Axis straps are proudly designed, engineered and manufactured in Great Britain, meeting one of the world’s most respected engineering standards. To support this launch, 3 Legged Thing has invested in a new UK-based sewing facility, creating local jobs and ensuring the entire range is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship. For photographers, that means world-class design, built in the shires of middle England, with a distinctly British stamp of quality.
A Strap System Like No Other
The Axis range covers every style of carry:
- Axis Pulse – a compact, rock-solid wrist strap
- Axis 24 / 34 / 44 – sleek, supportive straps in three widths to match any camera, from small mirrorless to heavy pro rigs
- Axis Sling & Twin Sling – breathable cross-body comfort, with a dual-camera option that converts back to a single in seconds
- Axis Anywhere & Gatekeeper – clever bag-mounting solutions that take the weight off your neck and shoulders
- QD4 & QD7 Plates – Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release plates with integrated QD sockets, built for seamless connection
Engineering Meets Comfort
Axis isn’t just about the connection. Every strap has been designed from the ground up, incorporating features for your comfort:
- Cam Lever Lock adjusters that actually stay locked
- Neck and shoulder padding that eases irritation and increases airflow
- Hypalon-reinforced stitching for durability
- Optional padded linings for those long days of shooting
Founder’s Quote
“This project has been eight years in the making, though massively interrupted by the pandemic, so we’re incredibly excited to bring the Axis Strap System to market. I genuinely believe that QD is the future of camera-carrying solutions, and we will be bringing this technology to many more products in the future.
We’re also delighted that we’re creating a production facility in the UK for these straps, so they can proudly carry the ‘Made in Great Britain’ mark.”
— Danny Lenihan, Founder & CEO, 3 Legged Thing
Kickstarter Launch
The Axis Kickstarter campaign runs for 31 days from 9 September 2025. Backers can expect substantial discounts across the range, with the biggest savings reserved for early adopters.
Final thoughts from us after a week of use – I put the Axis straps through a soccer match and a 32-person team photo, and the QD buckle system stood out straight away — solid, versatile, and a real gamechanger! A pleasure to use.
We wish them the best of luck on a great product!
