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Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader

BH #SOSF32CFST • MFR #SF3-2CFST
 16 reviews
Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader
Key Features
  • 2 x CFast 2.0 Card Slots
  • Thunderbolt 3 Cable (User Replaceable)
  • Dual Slot Transfers up to 1000 MB/s
  • Single Slot Transfers up to 550 MB/s
Built using extruded aluminum for greater durability, the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader from Sonnet features dual CFast 2.0 slots and 40 Gb/s of Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth to quickly ingest footage from CFast 2.0 and CFast 1.0 memory cards. Thanks to this bandwidth, both card slots can be used simultaneously at speeds up to 1000 MB/s. When only one card slot is being used, data is transferred at speeds up to 550 MB/s. This card reader connects to your compatible Windows or Mac system using a user-replaceable Thunderbolt 3 cable, and is powered using the Thunderbolt bus, which means that no external power supplies are required. Should the Thunderbolt 3 cable break, it can be replaced by removing the reader's back cover plates, unplugging the cable, and then plugging in a replacement.
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Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Overview

Built using extruded aluminum for greater durability, the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader from Sonnet features dual CFast 2.0 slots and 40 Gb/s of Thunderbolt 3 bandwidth to quickly ingest footage from CFast 2.0 and CFast 1.0 memory cards. Thanks to this bandwidth, both card slots can be used simultaneously at speeds up to 1000 MB/s. When only one card slot is being used, data is transferred at speeds up to 550 MB/s. This card reader connects to your compatible Windows or Mac system using a user-replaceable Thunderbolt 3 cable, and is powered using the Thunderbolt bus, which means that no external power supplies are required. Should the Thunderbolt 3 cable break, it can be replaced by removing the reader's back cover plates, unplugging the cable, and then plugging in a replacement.

Please note that this card reader requires Thunderbolt 3 and will work with Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.12.6 or later, including Big Sur and M1 Macs. It is also forward compatible with Thunderbolt 4.

General Features
Supports CFast 2.0 Cards at Maximum Speeds
With the increasing popularity of professional digital cinema cameras from RED, Canon, ARRI, and Blackmagic Design, the use of CFast 2.0 memory cards has soared, and the need for a truly high-speed card reader is undeniable. With current CFast 2.0 cards rated read speeds near 550 MB/s, it's clear that USB readers don't fill that need, but Sonnet's SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader does. Featuring a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt interface, this RED APPROVED device quickly ingests footage from CFast memory cards to your Mac or Windows computer with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 ports at the fastest speeds the cards will support.
Dual CFast Slots - Ingest from Two Cards at the Same Time
Sonnet's SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader employs its dual card slots to take advantage of the tremendous bandwidth offered by Thunderbolt technology. This CFast 2.0 readere is capable of ingesting media files simultaneously from two cards at concurrent data transfer speeds up to 1000+ MB/s, which is more than double the average ingest speed of USB 3.0 card readers. Using the Sonnet reader makes for a significantly more convenient and efficient workflow.
Bus Powered - No Power Adapters Required
The SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader connects directly to your Mac or Windows computer's Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 port or at the end of a Thunderbolt device chain. Requiring only a single cable to connect to your computer, this Sonnet reader is bus powered, meaning that no separate power supply required).
Ready to Rack and Portable - Designed for DIT Workflows
Sonnet's SF3 Series pro card readers include threaded mount points that enable you to securely attach two readers side-by-side on a rack tray in just 1 RU of rack space.
On the Road Travel Companion - Portable, Rugged, and Stackable
Measuring a compact 5.8" x 1.0" x 3.5", the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader is suitable for use in any workspace, even where space is tight. The reader's shell is made from extruded aluminum, making it lightweight, and yet rugged enough to be transported in an equipment bag without fear of damaging the case.
Sonnet SF3 Series Pro Card Readers - Designed to be Stacked and Daisy Chained
SF3 Series pro card readers feature rugged aluminum enclosures designed to be stacked and daisy chained, enabling multiple CFast 2.0, CFexpress/XQD, RED MINI-MAG, SxS Pro, and SxS PRO X readers to occupy the same footprint, while connecting to your computer through a single cable. You can take advantage of Thunderbolt's PCIe 3.0 x4 bandwidth of up to 2750 MB/s of to ingest four, six, or more cards simultaneously.
40 Gb/s Thunderbolt Interface
Featuring a 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt interface, this reader ingests footage from all CFast memory cards to Mac and Windows computers with Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 3 ports, whether on location, in the studio, or in the edit suite.
Cable Built-In - Never Lose It, Easily Replaceable.
Through the use of a captive cable, the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro Card Reader's 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt cable remains firmly connected to it at all times. Should the cable ever break, it can easily be replaced with an approved replacement cable available from Sonnet or a Sonnet-authorized service center.
Forward Compatible with Thunderbolt 4 Computers
SF3 Series professional media readers are fully compatible with Thunderbolt 4 computers. Sonnet's media readers are purposely designed with a Thunderbolt 3 controller and its four lanes of PCIe, which are not available in a Thunderbolt 4 peripheral, to achieve maximum simultaneous ingest speeds.
UPC: 732311012129

Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Specs

Performance
Media Card Reader
2 x CFast (CFast 2.0 / SATA III [6 Gb/s])
System Connection
USB Type-C Male [Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gb/s)]
Power Source
Thunderbolt Bus Power
General
Enclosure Material
Aluminum
LED Indicators
Yes
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.8 x 1 x 3.5" / 14.73 x 2.54 x 8.89 cm
Weight
0.35 lb / 0.16 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.115 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.75 x 6.05 x 2.25"

Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Reviews

Item doesn't work.

By Travis
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-02

As others have pointed out, the unit just doesn't work. I haven't been able to read a card with this thing in months, and previously, it only worked sporadically. Total piece of garbage, and Sonnet's support has proven to be some of the worst in the business.

Fast & easy image transfers

By Laura
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-11

Works great with my MacBook Pro's TB 3 ports. Outer case is attractive and durable.

It's Fast!

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-26

I'm very happy with the Sonnet SF3. It's very, very fast!

Excellent card reader

By Adam
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-11-09

I love this card reader. I’m a DIT working out of Vancouver, BC and working with the Alexa mini in ARRIRAW on a tv show can generate a lot of data. This card reader combined with fast RAID storage and a TB3 equipped MacBook Pro Makes ingesting two Cfast cards fast and easy I get 440MB/sec per card simultaneously going to Both my 8 bay RAID and my SSD shuttle Drive. Very happy!

Writes to my SSD quick

By Jay
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2020-10-04

Works very well. I can't complain. I just wish the USB C cable was removable from the drive.

SMOKING FAST!

By shane
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2019-11-18

If you are running CFAST this reader is a must and is for you! Performance is so fast, its feels and looks rugged and worth the buy. Recommended A+ 100% satisfied.

Incredibly fast but...

By Matthew
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-11

I love this, I wish it had a daisy chain option in the back for another Thunderbolt device.

Absolute trash

By Brian
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-05

It rarely works cards wont show up on mac when it does work its pretty cool but i'd say it functions properly maybe 2/10 times

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question

Has anyone used this with the Apple thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter to plug into a Mac with thunderbolt 2 ports?
Asked by: Daniel
In order to use the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter you would need the device to have a female Thunderbolt 3 port. Since the cable is attached on the Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 Pro 3 Card Reader B&H # SOSF32CFST, it will not be able to connect to the adapter.
Answered by: Jacob C.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Under key features it says the cable is user ...

Under key features it says the cable is user replaceable. What does that mean? I thought the cable was permanently attached.
Asked by: Peter
You can unscrew the back which gives access to where the cable is connected; it's a regular Thunderbolt cable plugged into a regular Thunderbolt female connector.
Answered by: Jean-Charles
Date published: 2021-08-13

What is the length of the cable on this unit? ...

What is the length of the cable on this unit? Looks awfully short.
Asked by: Peter
The included cable is about 20 inches long. It is not built in so you could buy a longer cable if needed.
Answered by: Dan
Date published: 2021-08-05

Will this by chance work with USB-C 3.1?

Will this by chance work with USB-C 3.1?
Asked by: Caleb
No
Answered by: David
Date published: 2020-11-19

question

Will this work with a thunderbolt 2 connection on my 2014 iMac? What cable do I need?
Asked by: Basil
I can't say every thunderbolt 3 dock will work but it works 100% with the caldigit dock when using the apple adapter between the dock and a thunderbolt 2 MacBook pro.
Answered by: Adam K.
Date published: 2020-10-24
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