Trilens wearable three lens holder review

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Trilens 2

A few weeks ago, I wrote a news story on an innovative piece of photography gear called Trilens. Our readers commented and I promised an in-depth review if possible. Friidesigns is the company that makes the Trilens, and they responded by sending a sample for just such a review.
So, here goes:

What is it?

The Trilens is belt mounted rotating lens holder designed for photographers, to securely carry up to 3 camera lens for quick and easy swapping while on the go.

What’s in the box

Trilens 6
1 X Trilens
1 x Set of magnets
1 x Adhesive strips
3 x Trilens caps
1 x Belt clip
1 x Carry pouch

Design and features

The Trilens is very well built, and the fit and finish are second to none. The materials that are used make it lightweight but yet solid, and I definitely feel like I can trust it to effectively secure my valuable lenses. Even the inlaid logo is well done and a nice touch. The mechanism that attaches the Trilens to the belt clip is all metal, as well as the body of the Trilens.

Trilens 5
The belt clip feels strong and is made out of fiber filled nylon. It includes belt loops and a spring-loaded pin to add or remove the Trilens.
Trilens 15
Each of the three lens receptacles comes with a screw on cap and each receptacle is separated and isolated from the other. My sample is designed to accommodate the Canon EF mount, but it is also available for Nikon F or Sony E/FE lenses.
Trilens 4
Each lens receptacle has a spring loaded release that must be disengaged to release the lens. While it can be easily and quickly disengaged, it is also very secure. The center of gravity of the Trilens works well, keeping the biggest and heaviest lens at the perfectly balanced position. Regardless of the size or the weight of the lens, the Trilens rotates easily to reach the lens of choice. It can be used with up to 3 lens and remains in place with any combination of lens.
Trilens 11
Trilens 12
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Also included is a set of magnets and adhesive strips that can be attached to the actual lens caps belonging to each specific lens. Once attached, the actual lens caps can be used instead of the included Trilens caps, making swapping each lens much easier and quicker.
When I wrote the news story, one of our readers was concerned about dust getting into the individual chambers/receptacles. I do believe that there is no additional risk because each one is isolated, and the same care that would be used to protect the lens from dust will work with the Trilens.

What I like

I really like the way the Trilens secures the lenses and manages the center of gravity. I like the materials it is made of, and the thought that was put into the design. The belt clip will accommodate most photography gear belts and everything seems built to last.

What can be improved

I am finding it very hard to come up with something that needs improvement on the Trilens. It is well designed and thought out for its intended purpose. I guess the only change I would suggest is that the belt clip could be made from some lightweight metal, to provide and even better level of sturdiness, and less of a chance of breaking. However, it is important to note that the fiber filled nylon makes it very strong.

Final thoughts

The Trilens is simply a well thought out piece of photography gear that works very well and is built to last. The only possible weakness I can determine would be the possibility of issues with the spring loaded releases for the lenses. However, I did not find any current evidence that would suggest such a failure. Regardless, it is now a permanent attachment on my photography gear belt, and will be with me on every shoot when I use the belt, and need to carry and use multiple lenses.

Price: $169.99
Where to buy: Friidesigns
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Friidesigns.

17 thoughts on “Trilens wearable three lens holder review”




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  2. Thanks for the review! I was very interested after reading your article how it would fare in real world use.

    1. Hi John,
      It works well for me. I use one lens on the camera and 2 in the Trilens. Once expectations are realistic, and you work out your own methodology, it is a great asset.

  3. I’m looking forward to trying this for my Sony. Carrying an extra bag for lenses isn’t always practical but in the past I’ve been concerned about belt clips being secure. This looks like a great option.

    1. Hi Susan,
      It is a great option, especially if you determine your workflow before your shoot, so that changing lenses becomes really easy. I use the Trilens with my SpiderPro V2 gear belt, and I have no concerns about my gear being secure.

    1. Hi Ski,
      Yes!! I still like it very much. Like any other gear, I know that I have to pay attention and stay focused when using it.

  4. How has this held up? looks like a lot of exposure to the elements for all that expensive glass to be handing in the open. I am on the fence on this and really like the concept, but don’t want to spend the money just to end up with damaged glass I have invested in.

  5. Hi Kevin,

    It is holding up quite well. I would not say that my use is excessive, but the Trilens is well built and it works. Like with all of our expensive lenses and gear, care must be taken and it is important to pay attention. I do not use the caps with the magnets because I always have a hood on each of my lenses when shooting. I usually use a 70-200 and a 24-105 as my 2 main lenses for many shoots, and I always make sure that when I swap between the two, that the lens is fully engaged by the Trilens locking mechanism.

  6. I’m afraid, when this thing has lenses on it, it looks like a weapon. It may be useful, but overall, if you’re a journalist, I’d think twice about wearing it. Could get you killed.

  7. I usually have a 24-70 and 70-200. Would it be better to just use the Spider Pro with the lens pouch? I just have one camera – a D850.

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