SD card reader - USB3

[Eriktheswede]

Hello!

I just got an iMac, and in some moment of genius they put the SD card reader on the back, so I need a more accessible solution in a USB 3 card reader.

Thing is, I have no idea what to get. Speed is important but reliability is top priority. I have read a lot of bad things about Lexar readers, plus Lexar won't exist much longer.

Other options are multi card readers like the Kingston USB 3.0 Hi-Speed Media Reader, but I would prefer just an SD slot, since I won't be using anything else and prefer to keep the number of dust collecting slots down.

It must use USB 3 with a type A connector, be compatible with at least UHS-I and preferably use a cable as opposed to plug directly in (I have a hub, so plugging straight in would work but not be as convenient, still better than turning the computer around).

What are you guys using and trusting?

 

[iazybandit]

Lexar Professional Workflow SR2 SD Reader Lexar or their multi-card reader. They have one with SD and CF and one with that has SD, CF, microSD, and many more.

 

[Sailor Blue]

After years of having card readers bought at the local IT Mall fail for no good reason I finally bought a Transcend one and couldn't be happier. The construction is much better than all my previous card readers - my CF cards and micro-SD cards slide in smoothly with no wiggling or forcing needed.

Here is the multi-card reader I have.

eBay - Genuine Transcend USB 3.0 SDXC Super Speed Multi-Card Reader SD/SDHC/SDXC/MS/CF

I also bought one of these direct plug in SD card only readers for a friend and he loves it.

eBay - Details about Transcend RDF5K USB3.0 High Speed Card Reader SD SDHC/XC microSD microSDHC Black

 

[Russell Evans]

Hello!

I just got an iMac, and in some moment of genius they put the SD card reader on the back, so I need a more accessible solution in a USB 3 card reader.

Thing is, I have no idea what to get. Speed is important but reliability is top priority. I have read a lot of bad things about Lexar readers, plus Lexar won't exist much longer.

Other options are multi card readers like the Kingston USB 3.0 Hi-Speed Media Reader, but I would prefer just an SD slot, since I won't be using anything else and prefer to keep the number of dust collecting slots down.

It must use USB 3 with a type A connector, be compatible with at least UHS-I and preferably use a cable as opposed to plug directly in (I have a hub, so plugging straight in would work but not be as convenient, still better than turning the computer around).

What are you guys using and trusting?

I bought this one because of the dual ports and small size. I used double sided tape to mount it to the monitor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J5651NA

EDIT: this one from the same company is pretty nice.

US $30

https://www.amazon.com/Cateck-Premium-Exclusively-Designed-Unibody/dp/B01LWYCA1U/

Thank you
Russell

 

[Eriktheswede]

Thanks guys!

The Lexar models have a lot of bad reviews on Amazon with compatibility and corruption issues, and when it comes to data I'm not taking any chances so Lexar is out.

The Transcend looks interesting, the only issues seems to be with CF cards which I don't care about.

The Cateck that's made specifically for the iMac is very interesting though! It would also give me a couple of easily accessible USB ports for USB flash drives and other low power USB devices. It does unfortunately not say anything about UHS support, and it's difficult to get a hold of here.

I also found the Kingston MobileLite G4 which is surprisingly cheap for a UHS-II reader, and it seems to perform as well as the Sandisk Extreme Pro UHS-II SD reader, which is 2-3 times more expensive! Lots of good reviews on this one, but would require a USB extension cable for my use.

More ideas welcome!

 

[Martin Meier]

I only need SD/mSD USB3 reader .. they work well ...

 

[Eriktheswede]

I though I should update this post now that I have made my choise. I got two Kingston MobileLite G4 readers. Well built, cheap, fast. Can't get much better than that. Hopefully they will continue to work for a long time.

 

[DillyMilan]

I definitely agree with the Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader that was already recommended here. It's a professional grade memory card reader that also has the UHS-II speed class. It's recommended on most photography blogs. Definitely something to check out!

 

[Ellis Vener]

I use two USB 3.0 readers interchangeably, both are very reliable

- Hoodman Steel 3.0

-Sony XQD /SDXC reader.

 

[Eriktheswede]

My Kingston MobilLite G4 have been rock solid for me. Cheap, metal build (feels like quality) and no issues so far.

 

[LordKOTL]

Hello!

I just got an iMac, and in some moment of genius they put the SD card reader on the back, so I need a more accessible solution in a USB 3 card reader.

Thing is, I have no idea what to get. Speed is important but reliability is top priority. I have read a lot of bad things about Lexar readers, plus Lexar won't exist much longer.

Other options are multi card readers like the Kingston USB 3.0 Hi-Speed Media Reader, but I would prefer just an SD slot, since I won't be using anything else and prefer to keep the number of dust collecting slots down.

It must use USB 3 with a type A connector, be compatible with at least UHS-I and preferably use a cable as opposed to plug directly in (I have a hub, so plugging straight in would work but not be as convenient, still better than turning the computer around).

What are you guys using and trusting?

I use these two:

Sabrent Dongle For traveling - lives in my camera bag.

UGreen dongle which is used at home and permanently attached to my workstation.

Both have so far worked flawlessly.

My main reason for going with each was the Sabrent one for compactness (i.e. no cable pigtail) to flop around on my surface when transferring an imperial buttload of photos (read: more than AirNEF can effectively transfer in a reasonable timeframe). the unit is one piece and stays rigid. Thus doesn't sound like what you're after though.

The main reason for the Ugreen one was the length of the attached cable: it wasn't a short pigtail - the cable length is, as advertised, about ½ a meter. Thus, it can reach the USB 3 ports on the back of my workstation without an additional cable and leaves the front ports free for other stuff.

The Ugreen one might be worth a look. Mine has been reliable enough. Plus at the price I won't sweat it if it dies.