Card Reader Sonnet SF3-2CFST Thunderbolt 3 Black

The Sonnet SF3-2CFST Thunderbolt 3 card reader supports CFast and CFast 2.0 memory cards and provides high-speed data transfer for professional photo and video workflows. Using a Thunderbolt 3 interface, the unit delivers bandwidth sufficient to read current CFast 2.0 cards at their rated speeds and can ingest files from two cards simultaneously. The reader is compact and constructed from extruded aluminum, offering a balance of portability and durability for location shoots, studios, and editing suites.

Advantages

The SF3-2CFST connects via Thunderbolt 3 and can achieve concurrent transfer rates up to 1000 Mbit/s when using two cards, enabling faster offload than typical USB 3.0 readers. It is bus powered through the Thunderbolt 3 connection, eliminating the need for an external power adapter. The unit’s extruded aluminum housing is lightweight yet robust for transport, and the captive Thunderbolt cable is replaceable through Sonnet service if needed.

Suitable for

• Offloading footage from CFast and CFast 2.0 memory cards
• On-location filming and field data management
• Studio and post-production ingest where high throughput is required
• Photographers and videographers using Canon, ARRI, Blackmagic Design and similar cinema cameras

Key specifications

• Card compatibility: CFast and CFast 2.0 memory cards
• Interface: Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps)
• Maximum concurrent transfer rate: up to 1000 Mbit/s (dual‑card operation)
• Power: Bus powered via Thunderbolt 3 (no external adapter required)
• Dimensions: 144.8 mm × 88.9 mm × 25.4 mm
• Enclosure: Extruded aluminum
• Color: Black
• Operating system compatibility: macOS 10.12.6 and later, Windows 10

How to use

Connect the SF3-2CFST to a computer with a Thunderbolt 3 port using its captive Thunderbolt cable. Insert one or two CFast or CFast 2.0 cards into the card slots; the reader is bus powered and will draw power from the connected computer. Files on the cards will appear to the host computer as removable storage devices and can be copied using your operating system’s file manager or ingest software. Eject the cards safely via the OS before removing them to prevent data corruption.

Usage recommendations

For best performance, use CFast 2.0 cards that meet the cards’ rated speed and connect directly to a Thunderbolt 3 port on the host computer. When operating with two cards simultaneously, ensure the host system’s Thunderbolt 3 implementation and storage destination are capable of sustaining high write speeds to avoid bottlenecks.