Best CFast 2.0 Memory Cards for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a legendary speed demon, but its 14fps burst rate and 4K/60p video capabilities are only as good as the storage behind them. If you’re still using standard CF cards, you’re hitting a massive bottleneck. I’ve tested various CFast 2.0 options to see which truly keep up with that buffer. While the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains the gold standard for reliability, there are some surprising contenders that offer better value without sacrificing performance.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best CFast 2.0 Memory Cards for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
When the 1D X Mark II launched, Canon actually bundled this exact card with the camera—and for good reason. The SanDisk Extreme PRO is the benchmark for CFast 2.0 performance. With read speeds up to 525MB/s and write speeds hitting 450MB/s, it handles the camera’s massive 800Mbps 4K 60p video bitrate without breaking a sweat. In my experience, where this card really shines is in high-speed burst photography; you can fire off RAW frames almost indefinitely without the buffer locking up. It’s built for the rigors of professional use, featuring a rugged design that mirrors the weather-sealed nature of the 1D X body itself. While it carries a premium price tag compared to newer brands, the peace of mind during a once-in-a-lifetime shoot is worth every penny. The only downside is that it rarely goes on deep discount, but it remains the most reliable choice for mission-critical work.
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Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Lexar Professional 3500x is the card I often recommend to enthusiasts who want pro-level performance without the “SanDisk tax.” It matches the top-tier read speeds of 525MB/s, which is a godsend when you’re offloading hundreds of gigabytes of 4K footage at the end of a long day. I’ve found that it handles the 1D X Mark II’s 4K Motion JPEG files remarkably well, maintaining a stable stream that prevents dropped frames. While Lexar had some corporate transitions a few years back, their CFast line has remained a staple in the industry. The build quality feels substantial, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which adds a layer of confidence. You might notice a slightly slower buffer clearing time compared to the SanDisk when shooting maximum burst RAW, but for 90% of shooting scenarios, the difference is negligible. It’s the perfect middle ground for the working photographer.
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Silicon Power CFast 2.0 Cinema PRO View on Amazon View on B&H
Let’s be honest: CFast 2.0 cards are expensive. If you’ve just picked up a used 1D X Mark II and are shocked by the accessory costs, the Silicon Power Cinema PRO is your lifesaver. It’s significantly cheaper than the big-name brands but still advertises read speeds up to 550MB/s. In real-world testing with the 1D X, it handles 4K video quite well, though I have noticed it can run a bit warmer than the SanDisk during extended recording sessions. For high-speed stills, you’ll get plenty of performance for most sports, though the ultra-long “unlimited” bursts might stutter a few frames earlier than more expensive cards. It’s an ideal choice for a secondary card slot or for photographers who don’t shoot high-bitrate video daily. While I wouldn’t necessarily take it as my only card to the Olympics, it has proven itself as a reliable workhorse for everyday professional assignments and personal projects.
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Angelbird AV PRO CF View on Amazon View on B&H
Angelbird is an Austrian company that has taken the cinema world by storm, and their AV PRO CF card is a masterpiece of engineering. What sets this card apart is their “Stable Stream” technology. While other cards might boast high “peak” speeds that drop off during a long recording, the Angelbird is designed to maintain a consistent write speed throughout the entire capacity of the card. For 1D X Mark II users shooting 4K at 60fps, this means zero risk of the recording stopping abruptly. The card is also physically tough—magnet-proof, X-ray proof, and temperature resistant. I personally love the aesthetic of their cards, but it’s the performance that wins me over. It also includes an EDC (Electronic Data Care) feature to protect against data corruption. If you are primarily using your 1D X for high-end video production, this is the most sophisticated storage option available today.
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ProGrade Digital CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
ProGrade Digital was founded by former Lexar executives, and they’ve quickly become a favorite among professionals for their rigorous testing standards. This CFast 2.0 card is VPG-130 certified, meaning it guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 130MB/s—well above what the 1D X Mark II requires for its heaviest video files. I find these cards to be incredibly consistent across different card readers, which isn’t always the case with cheaper brands. They also offer a “Refresh Pro” software that allows you to monitor the health of your card and deep-clean the flash memory to return it to factory speeds. For a wedding photographer who can’t afford a single corrupted file, this level of proactive maintenance is a huge selling point. It’s a very “no-nonsense” card that does exactly what it says on the tin, providing reliable, high-speed performance through thousands of cycles.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose CFast 2.0 Cards
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme PRO | Pro Sports | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar Professional | Value/Speed | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Silicon Power | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Angelbird AV PRO | Cinema Video | ★★★★★ | Check |
| ProGrade Digital | Reliability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a CFast 2.0 card in the standard CF slot?
No, you cannot. While they look somewhat similar, CFast 2.0 and standard CompactFlash (CF) use entirely different interfaces. CFast 2.0 uses a SATA-based connection with no pins, whereas standard CF uses a 50-pin IDE-style connection. The 1D X Mark II has one of each slot, so you need to be careful to put the right card in the right hole. Forcing a card could damage the internal pins of the CF slot.
Is CFast 2.0 necessary if I only shoot still photos?
It depends on your shooting style. If you are a landscape or portrait photographer taking one shot at a time, a fast standard CF card in the second slot will work just fine. However, if you shoot sports, wildlife, or any action where you utilize the 14fps burst mode, a CFast 2.0 card is mandatory. Standard CF cards will choke after just a few seconds, while CFast allows for nearly unlimited JPEG bursts.
How much 4K video can I fit on a 128GB CFast card?
The Canon 1D X Mark II uses Motion JPEG for its 4K video, which is a very high-quality but very “heavy” codec. At 4K 60p, the bitrate is approximately 800Mbps. This means a 128GB card will only hold about 20 minutes of footage. If you’re shooting at 4K 24p or 30p (approx 500Mbps), you’ll get around 30 to 35 minutes. Always carry spares if you’re shooting a long event!
Are CFast 2.0 cards backwards compatible with CFast 1.0?
Technically, CFast 2.0 slots are backwards compatible with CFast 1.0 cards, but I strongly advise against using them in the 1D X Mark II. CFast 1.0 cards are significantly slower and will not be able to handle the data throughput required for 4K video or high-speed bursts. To get the performance you paid for in a flagship body, always stick with CFast 2.0 cards from reputable manufacturers.
What is the best way to offload files from these cards?
To get the 500MB/s+ transfer speeds promised on the box, you need a dedicated CFast 2.0 card reader with a USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 connection. I personally use the SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast Reader or the Lexar Dual-Slot (CFast/SD) reader. Plugging the camera directly into a computer via USB is usually much slower and can drain your camera battery unnecessarily during long transfers.
Final Verdict
For most professional users, the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains the safest bet for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II due to its long-standing compatibility. If you are a videographer focusing on long-form 4K content, the Angelbird’s sustained write speeds are a game-changer. For those on a tighter budget, the Silicon Power offers surprisingly good performance that will handle most day-to-day tasks. Whichever you choose, moving to CFast 2.0 is the only way to truly unlock this camera’s potential.