3 Legged Thing Axis 34 Review
Summary Verdict
Designed for mirrorless and DSLR users alike, the Axis 34 is the mid-sized strap in 3 Legged Thing’s new Axis Strap System, combining comfort, adaptability and military-grade security. It uses a proprietary QD (Quick Detach) system, giving photographers the freedom to adjust the fit to suit their needs. As someone who spends long days out with a camera, I found the Axis 34 a great solution for carrying heavy or light camera setups without compromising on comfort or flexibility. Move over Peak Design Slide Lite, there’s a new strap in town!
Score: 5/5
For
• Comfortable for long shoots
• QD system is quick to use yet secure
• Adjustable, non-slip fastenings
Against
• Camera is carried upside down
• Initial setup may seem complex to new users
The Axis 34 can be worn across your body as in this photo, or around your neck or over your shoulder. The black band near the top of the strap is the padding of the padded version (Axis 34P).
What is the 3 Legged Thing Axis 34?
The 3 Legged Thing Axis 34 is a mid-width camera strap designed for enthusiast and professional photographers using mirrorless or DSLR cameras. It’s part of the company's modular Axis Strap System, which includes multiple strap widths and styles, all centred around the innovative four-axis QD buckle developed by 3 Legged Thing. This system allows photographers to mount the strap in a way that suits their body shape, ensuring a more comfortable carry, whether worn crossbody, over the shoulder or around the neck. The 3 Legged Thing 3 Legged Thing Axis 34 is available with or without a padded section. I tested the padded version.
The 3 Legged Thing Axis 34P gives plenty of freedom to lift your camera to your eye.
3 Legged Thing Axis 34 Price and Availability
The Axis 34 launched on Kickstarter on 9th September 2025, with discounted options available for early adopters. It’s made in the UK to high manufacturing standards, and retail pricing is expected to reflect this. Each strap includes a QD-compatible Arca-Swiss plate, although additional mounting options are available separately.
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The Swivel connector attaches to the four-axis QD Buckle to create a loop that passes around your body or over your head/shoulder.
Key Features
The Axis 34 sits between the narrower Axis 24 and the wider Axis 44, with a 34mm strap width that offers a good balance between comfort and stability. It’s well suited to mid-sized and heavier mirrorless systems as well as DSLR setups.
At the centre of the design is 3 Legged Thing’s four-axis QD Buckle and QD Swivel (connector) that allow the strap to pivot and pass across the body in a way that’s more adaptable than conventional straps. Adjustments are made with Cam Lever Lock sliders, which are easy to use and stay firmly in place once set. The strap includes a padded shoulder or neck section, reinforced with Hypalon stitching for extra durability.
While each strap is supplied with a QD plate, the QD Swivel connectors are also compatible with 3 Legged Thing’s newer L-brackets that feature integrated QD docks — including the Arnie bracket that I used with the Sony A7R IV. The QD Plate can also be mounted on the tripod foot of telephoto lenses so the heavier element carries the camera set-up.
Depressing the top button section of the 3 Legged Thing Axis Swivel connector with draws the ball bearings in the bottom section so it can be inserted into or removed from the QD Plate, QD L-Bracket or QD Buckle.
Build and Handling
From the first use, the Axis 34 feels like a step up in quality from the straps supplied with a camera. It’s sturdy without being stiff and similar in feel to the Peak Design Slide Lite.
There's a QD Swivel connector at either end of the strap, one connects to the camera via QD Plate or L-Bracket while the other connects to the QD Buckle on the strap to make a loop. The QD Buckle has three connection points, but the central point can be used from either side, effectively making four means of attachment.
The 3 Legged Thing Axis QD Swivel connected to one of the four docks in the QD Buckle.
It's simple to connect a QD Swivel connector to the buckle or a plate. Just press the top section down to withdraw the ball bearings into the bottom section and insert it into the dock. Releasing the top button locks the connector in place, but as its name suggests it can swivel round.
I found it easy to configure the strap around my frame using the four-axis mount options and Cam Lever Lock sliders to set the right length. Once set, the strap stayed in position comfortably and didn’t slip or need frequent readjustment. When I carried the Sigma 200mm F2 DG OS | Sports on the Sony A7R VI, I attached the strap to the lens's tripod foot and used the strap at its shortest length to keep the camera grip within easy reach. When the camera was attached to the strap via the L-bracket, I lengthened the strap slightly to keep it at a comfortable height.
As the QD Plate is Arca-Swiss-compatible, it can be used in many tripod heads, including 3 Legged Things' and Peak Design's.
The Cam Lever Lock sliders do a great job of holding the Axis 34 strap at your selected length.
Performance
I tested the Axis 34 with a range of kit, including the Sony A7R IV, Fujifilm GFX100 RF, OM System OM-1 II and Fujifilm X-E5 and a selection of lenses, including some telephoto optics that I mounted via a QD plate attached to the tripod collar and foot. In every configuration, the strap performed reliably. The QD connectors clicked securely into place and stayed locked throughout.
When they are long enough, I wear camera straps across my body as I find it a more secure and comfortable option. The 3 Legged Thing Axis 34P works perfectly in this configuration and proved very comfortable. After a little practice, I can attach and detach the strap very quickly. I find it's best to hold the Swivel connector between by index and middle fingers while I depress the release button.
There are two length adjustment points (Cam Lever Lock sliders) on the strap. As a fairly small photographer, I set the section of the strap that goes across my back close to its shortest length and then used the front slider to select the overall length of the strap. Ideally, you want a fairly even distribution across your back and front as this dictates the position of the padded section.
On different occasions, I wore the 3 Legged Thing Axis 34P over a collared shirt, a jacket and a T-shirt. I found it comfortable with all and I think the padded version (the Axis 34P) is a better option with a t-shirt without a collar as its kind to your neck.
One concern I've had with other straps that attach to a camera via the tripod bush is that they can twist. The worst-case scenario is that they can twist so much they undo, so the camera drops from the strap. However, the clever design of the Axis Swivel connector ensures that the QD plate stays put. Also, the fact that the connectors are so fast to attach and detach, and the QD plate (and L-Bracket) are Arca-Swiss-style, means you can very quickly mount and unmount the camera on a tripod.
While one QD Swivel is used to create the loop in the Axis 34 strap, the second connects to a camera of lens via a QD plate or L-Bracket.
Verdict
The 3 Legged Thing Axis 34 is a versatile and thoughtfully designed strap that prioritises comfort, control and speed of attachment and detachment. For women photographers, it offers a welcome improvement in fit and adjustability, with its four-axis QD system providing a more tailored experience. The compatibility with both QD plates and newer QD L-brackets, such as the Arnie, makes it especially convenient for those who switch between handheld and tripod shooting.
Whether you’re working with a lightweight mirrorless camera or a heavier setup with a long lens, the Axis 34 handles the load with ease. It’s a smart, flexible and reliable choice — and it’s made in the UK, which is always nice to see.
If you want a thinner, lighter option, there's the 3 Legged Thing Axis 24 (and Axis 24P), or if you fancy a wider strap, take a look at the Axis 44 (and Axis 44P).
