AXIS: Secure Quick-Release Camera Strap System

Welcome to our latest adventure—this time, we’re tackling one of the most essential (and often frustrating) tools in photography: the camera strap. Designed and developed in a chicken shed on a farm in rural Bedfordshire (because why not?), the AXIS Strap System is our bold reimagining of what a camera strap can and should be. Smarter, faster, and built for the real world—we believe this is the future of camera carry.

3 Legged Thing is a small but mighty British company, best known for revolutionising camera support technology. We take the everyday and make it extraordinary—modular, versatile, rugged, and designed with a level of engineering and aesthetic flair that defies convention. Because, frankly, why settle for boring?

Our mission? Simple. We innovate. We make life easier for photographers, videographers, and content creators. We obsess over workflow and productivity while holding ourselves to the highest standards of British engineering. And, of course, we make sure everything looks biblically sexy, like an Aston Martin licking ice cream from the bonnet of a Lamborghini.

Straps are one of the first three things photographers buy—alongside bags and tripods, they form the holy trinity of essential kit. And yet, despite being as personal to a photographer as a fingerprint, straps are often overlooked when it comes to actual functionality.

What’s out there? You’ve got two choices: beautiful or practical. A sea of nice-looking but uncomfortable straps that need re-adjusting every ten minutes, or overcomplicated engineering that sort-of works, but is only available in black 600D ballistic nylon. Where’s the middle ground? A high-quality, adaptable, and innovative camera strap that not only works better than anything else, but actually looks good too.

We saw the gap. And we filled it.

Introducing the Axis Strap System

We broke it down to four things. Just four boxes to tick, to make the ultimate strap:

• Security – a connection you can trust with your most expensive and fragile gear.  
• Comfort – because wearing a camera all day shouldn't feel like a half iron-man.   
• Quick Detach – bringing tried and tested technology to the fore, with a single-handed disconnect and reconnect – effortless, smooth and reliable.         
• Aesthetics – just because it’s probably the most practical strap in existence, no sense in overlooking that it’s a wearable. So, we beautified it, and offer it in four colour-ways.

At the heart of the AXIS System is a single, game-changing piece of technology—the QD Swivel and Socket. QD stands for Quick Detach or Quick Disconnect (we’ll let you decide), and this ultra-secure connection system is trusted in astronautics, military, and law enforcement gear. So, naturally, we thought: why should photographers miss out on all the fun?

We’ve been integrating QD sockets into our L-brackets since 2023, because we like making things that actually work in the real world. So now customers ask where they can get a QD camera strap. While they do exist, they’re about as common as a unicorn with a camera bag, and 80% of the time they’ve been fudged together by enthusiastic photographers that knew before all of us that QD was the only way to go. So, we decided to fix that.

Enter AXIS: a properly designed strap system, built around QD technology, plus our new QD4 and QD7 quick-release plates—for those who want the security and convenience of QD without needing an L-bracket. But if you do have a compatible 3 Legged Thing L-bracket, even better—AXIS works seamlessly with that too.

And because we don’t believe in half-measures, we also designed the world’s first 4-axis QD buckle—which means you can actually adjust how your strap fits and moves, rather than just making do with whatever uncomfortable setup you've been suffering with until now.

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.

Better ergonomics. Longer wear. Less faffing. You're welcome.

With AXIS, we’re not just slapping another strap on the market—we’re building a mini ecosystem that makes QD connectivity more accessible, more adaptable, and—dare we say it—actually enjoyable to use.

This is what happens when you let engineers loose on a problem and tell them to make it better. And, of course, we didn’t stop at just the QD system—because what’s the point of a great connection if the rest of the strap isn’t up to scratch?

Anchored Adjustments

Tired of your strap mysteriously loosening itself mid-shoot? Us too. That’s why AXIS straps feature easy-pull cam-lever-locks that glide effortlessly over the smooth nylon surface but lock tight when closed—so once you set your strap, it stays put. No more creeping adjustments, no more mid-shoot yanking your camera up from around your ankles. Once it’s anchored, it’s anchored—until you decide otherwise.

EVA Padding

Because nobody likes a strap that digs in like an angry wasp, we’re providing the option of smooth, silky nylon, or soft, tactile EVA foam padding with a dermatologically tested microfibre cover for the strap. This means better comfort, less irritation, and effective cushioning—so you can shoot for longer without feeling like your neck is in a hostage situation.

Configurable Carry

Some days you want a classic neck strap, some days a sling-style setup over one shoulder. And if you like switching between the two, we’ve got you covered. Each AXIS strap is designed to adapt to your shooting style, with multiple configurations to suit however you prefer to carry your kit.

4-Axis QD Buckle

Straps should adjust to you, not the other way around. The 4-axis QD Buckle gives you multiple setup options—so whether you’re left-handed, right-handed, or just someone who actually likes their gear to be comfortable, you can tweak it for the perfect fit. Quick to reconfigure, easy to use, and designed for modern photographers who refuse to suffer for their art.

QD Swivel

We’re proud of this—this isn’t just functional, it’s downright gorgeous. Precision-machined stainless steel, an aerospace-grade magnesium alloy D-ring, and a design so smooth it practically begs to be used. It doesn’t just connect—it clicks into place with confidence, giving you that deeply satisfying feeling that makes you wonder why all camera gear isn’t made this well.

What is QD Technology?

A Quick Disconnect (QD) Swivel is a type of two-part mechanical system, originally developed for firearms, that allows for quick and easy attachment and removal of an item, such as a sling or a strap, from a compatible QD socket. The system works with a push-button mechanism on the swivel that, when pressed, retracts ball bearings, enabling the swivel to be quickly inserted into or removed from a matching socket. 

QD Swivel: This is the movable part, often a push-button swivel, that connects to a strap or sling. It has a pin that is held in place by a spring-loaded mechanism and ball bearings.

QD Socket: This is the receiving component that is machined into a product, such as a release plate, or other connective device. The socket has a groove or recess that the ball bearings from the swivel can snap into, creating a secure connection.

How it Works 

1. Attachment: When the push-button on the swivel is pressed, the ball bearings retract, allowing the swivel's pin to be inserted into the QD socket. The button is then released, and the ball bearings are pushed into the recess in the socket, securing the connection.

2. Detachment: To remove the swivel, the push-button is pressed again, which retracts the ball bearings and releases the pin, allowing the swivel to be pulled out of the socket.

THE Complete Strap System

Because one size never fits all, the AXIS System Straps come in a variety of options to suit every type of photographer—from street shooters to heavy-rig warriors.

• Axis Pulse – A compact, secure wrist strap for simpler setups. Perfect for street photography or anyone who wants to ditch the bulk and stay nimble.

• Axis 24 – A sleek, minimalist 24mm strap designed for small mirrorless cameras and those who prefer their gear light and streamlined.

• Axis 34 – A versatile, medium-width 34mm strap that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and adaptability—ideal for all-day shooting with any camera – the ultimate all-rounder.

• Axis 44 – A wide, ultra-supportive 44mm strap built for serious comfort and stability. Designed for heavy setups—or just for those who appreciate a bit of luxury on their shoulders.

• Axis Sling – A padded, breathable crossbody sling strap designed for fast, ergonomic access to your camera. Because comfort and speed shouldn’t be a trade-off. AND, if that wasn’t enough reason to love it, it’s also entirely ambidextrous – perfect for left and right-handers – and if you’re inclined to use two cameras check out the Double Sling.

• Axis Double Sling – A double crossbody sling strap for dual-camera users who need quick access to both cameras. The double sling is essentially two AXIS Slings connected together on opposite shoulders to create a dual harness. Simple, elegant and ultimately versatile.

• Axis Anywhere – The ultimate go-anywhere strap, designed to attach to any camera bag, rucksack, or hiking bag—so you get perfect sling access to your camera without needing to wear a strap separately.

• Axis Gatekeeper – For AXIS Sling or AXIS Double Sling owners who want to convert their strap into an Anywhere strap, allowing seamless attachment to camera bags, hiking bags, or backpacks—because flexibility is everything.

Specifications

Engineering Standards

One of the biggest challenges we faced is that there’s no universal standard for QD. There are hundreds of basic QD swivels in the field-sports industry, and all of them are different, even several models made by the same manufacturer. We tested so many, and decided to create our own universal standard, to ensure the maximum cross compatibility with other QD products in the world. There are two basic metrics that needed to be considered:

1. The female QD lip – the depth at which the female chamber locks around the ball bearings
2. The male QD bearings: the depth between the bearings and the base, and the diameter of the bearings themselves

After testing literally hundreds of products, we settled with this.

QDF – the Quick Detach Female socket has a lip of 0.9mm. Almost every male socket we tested had a minimum penetration of 1mm, so a fractionally smaller lip tested positive with all of them, and still provided the security needed to keep it tethered.

QDM – The male swivel has a bearing diameter of 2.9mm (ironically, we found this one metric to be almost universal across every product we tested) and a bearing depth of 1.6mm from the base swivel. The average QDF we tested had a lip depth of 1-1.3mm, so adding the extra depth has given us a vastly higher range of compatibility, but with the same bearing size, so a solid connection is maintained with ease.

To help make sense of it, here are renders of our actual QDF and QDM.

Made in Great Britain

We’ve always been hugely proud of our engineering standards, and the quality control that we have exercised over manufacturing partners has always reflected our desire to provide premium quality, beautifully engineered products that are reliable, functional and more capable and versatile than any other tripod on the planet.

Now we’re taking it a step further. Every AXIS strap will be made right here in England. The hardware. The textile elements. The sewing. We’ve already started manufacturing L-brackets and other accessories in the UK, and whilst this has come with increased costs, it’s also come with greater control, higher standards, better build quality and words revered in engineering, innovation and manufacturing for over two centuries: Made in Great Britain.

Real World Testing & Reviews

Paul John Bayfield

3LT Pro Team member, documentary photographer and naturalist gives his opinion on the AXIS Anywhere below.

Chad Higgins

Timelapse expert, 3LT Pro Team member, and maker of brilliant videos gives his opinion on the Axis Strap System. Watch the video below, and when you're done, take a look at his blog post here.

 

Ellis Reed

Pro content creator and 3LT Pro Team member Ellis Reed gives you an overview of the AXIS straps he's been using in his latest YouTube video below...

 

Jason Lorette

YouTuber Jason claims he hates camera straps, so what will he make of the AXIS 44 and AXIS Anywhere?!

 

Dave Peck

YouTuber, educator and landscape photographer, Dave Peck talks about his use of the AXIS Sling in his new Workflow Wednesday series...

Customer Reviews

Trusted by Photographers Everywhere

From tripods to L-brackets, monopods to accessories, 3 Legged Thing gear is used by photographers worldwide—from hobbyists to pros. Their feedback drives our innovation, helping us refine and improve with every new product.

But don’t just take our word for it—see what they have to say. 👇

Risk-Free Backing - Because We Know What We’re Doing

Backing a crowdfunding campaign can feel like a gamble—but not with 3 Legged Thing. We’re not some fly-by-night startup; we’ve been designing and manufacturing high-quality camera gear for years.

• We’ve produced hundreds of thousands of release plates, L-brackets, and hardware, plus thousands of camera bags and accessories.
• Our engineering and quality control standards are among the best in the business—with an annual return rate of just 0.026%.
• Every product is backed by our comprehensive 5-Year Global Warranty.
• We’re an independent, self-funded company that’s won every major industry award, including the prestigious Lucie Technical Award for Best Tripod—all thanks to our innovation, craftsmanship, and refusal to cut corners.

In short? We don’t just make promises—we deliver.

About 3 Legged Thing

Back in 2010, photographer Danny Lenihan had a revelation: photography gear could be better—smarter, stronger, and actually designed with photographers in mind. So, he set out to change that.

What started as a quirky British brand operating from an old chicken shed in Stagsden, Bedfordshire, has since grown into a global leader in camera support technology. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, and engineering that challenges the norm.

From modular tripods and precision-engineered L-brackets to cutting-edge accessories, our designs push boundaries and rethink the way photographers work. We don’t do ordinary—we do better. And that mindset is exactly what led us to develop Axis, a camera strap system built with the same philosophy: strength, adaptability, and performance without compromise.

We don’t just make gear—we reinvent it.