Best CFast 2.0 Cards for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a legendary professional workhorse, but its dual-processor power comes with a massive appetite for data. To unlock its full 14fps mechanical burst rate and that data-heavy 4K 60fps Motion JPEG video, a standard CF card simply won’t cut it—you need high-performance CFast 2.0. Having pushed this camera to its limits on sidelines and in the wild, I know that the wrong media leads to frustrating buffer hangs. Here are the best CFast 2.0 cards to keep your 1DX Mark II firing without hesitation.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best CFast 2.0 Cards for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
The SanDisk Extreme PRO is widely considered the gold standard for the 1DX Mark II. In fact, Canon actually bundled this exact card with early units of the camera because it is so dependable. With a read speed of up to 525MB/s and a write speed of 450MB/s, it handles the camera’s massive 800Mbps 4K Motion JPEG files effortlessly. I’ve used these cards in freezing stadiums and humid rainforests, and they have never dropped a frame or corrupted a burst. The VPG-130 rating is the “secret sauce” here, guaranteeing that write speeds won’t dip below 130MB/s during critical recording. While you’ll pay a premium for the SanDisk name, the included RescuePRO Deluxe software and the peace of mind during a high-stakes shoot are worth every cent. It is the ultimate insurance policy for your data.
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Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
Lexar has long been the primary alternative to SanDisk, and the 3500x series offers a brilliant balance of performance and price. When you’re shooting a wedding and need to swap through several cards a day, the cost-per-gigabyte becomes a major factor. In my testing, the Lexar 3500x clears the 1DX II buffer almost as quickly as the Extreme PRO, allowing you to get back to shooting 16fps Live View bursts in a heartbeat. It also supports the high bitrates required for 4K video. While Lexar went through a brand transition a few years back, their current CFast 2.0 lineup has proven to be incredibly stable and reliable. If you need to stock up on multiple 128GB or 256GB cards without draining your entire equipment budget, this is the smartest move you can make for your kit bag.
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Silicon Power CFast 2.0 Card View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve recently picked up a used 1DX Mark II, you might be shocked by how expensive CFast media can be. Silicon Power offers a “no-frills” entrance into this format. Despite the lower price point, it still boasts theoretical speeds of 550MB/s read and 450MB/s write. In practical use, I’ve found it performs admirably for high-speed stills and most video modes. However, it does lack the VPG-130 certification found on more expensive cards, meaning it might struggle with the absolute highest bitrate 4K settings during long, continuous recordings. It also tends to run slightly warmer than the premium options. For a hobbyist who isn’t shooting a Super Bowl or for a professional who needs a “just in case” emergency backup card in the bag, this is an excellent, budget-friendly solution that gets the job done.
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Angelbird AV PRO CF View on Amazon View on B&H
Angelbird is the boutique choice for serious videographers. Their AV PRO CF cards are engineered in Austria with a specific focus on “Stable Stream” technology, which ensures consistent performance throughout the entire capacity of the card. This is vital because many cards slow down as they get full—not the Angelbird. I find the physical build quality of these cards to be the best on the market; they feel rugged and tolerate heat exceptionally well during long 4K 60fps takes. Additionally, Angelbird offers a fantastic data recovery service that covers both mechanical and software issues. If you are using your 1DX Mark II as a cinema camera and your livelihood depends on every frame being captured perfectly, this premium choice provides a level of technical sophistication that is simply unmatched.
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Delkin Devices Cinema CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
Delkin Devices is a favorite among adventure photographers for a reason. Their Cinema CFast 2.0 cards are built to survive the same kind of abuse that a 1DX Mark II can take. They are extensively tested for shock, magnets, and X-rays, making them ideal for the traveling pro. What truly sets Delkin apart, however, is their “48-Hour Replacement Guarantee.” If your card fails, they will ship you a replacement before they even receive your broken one—that is the kind of support you want when you’re on a deadline. Performance is top-tier, easily handling the 1DX II’s maximum burst rates. It’s a reliable, “set it and forget it” card that mirrors the camera’s own tank-like durability. If you aren’t a fan of the big two brands, Delkin is an incredibly strong alternative.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose CFast 2.0 Cards
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme PRO | Professional Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar Professional 3500x | Value for Money | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Silicon Power | Entry Level / Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Angelbird AV PRO | Cinema Production | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Delkin Devices Cinema | Extreme Conditions | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use CFexpress cards in the 1DX Mark II?
No, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is not compatible with CFexpress cards. While they look similar to CFast 2.0, the internal technology and pin layout are entirely different. The 1DX Mark II features one CFast 2.0 slot and one traditional CompactFlash (UDMA 7) slot. If you want to use CFexpress, you would need to upgrade to the newer 1DX Mark III, which was designed for that format.
Do I need a CFast 2.0 card for still photography?
If you are shooting single frames, a standard CF card is fine. However, if you want to use the camera’s high-speed burst mode (14fps with the viewfinder or 16fps in Live View), a CFast 2.0 card is essential. It allows the buffer to clear almost instantly, ensuring you don’t miss the next sequence. For sports or wildlife photography, CFast is a game-changer for your workflow.
Why are CFast 2.0 cards so expensive?
CFast 2.0 cards use the SATA III interface, which was a significant leap in speed over traditional CF cards when they launched. Because the industry moved toward CFexpress relatively quickly, CFast remains a niche format with fewer manufacturers and lower production volumes. This lack of mass-market scale keeps prices higher than SD or CFexpress cards of similar capacities today.
Can I record 4K 60fps to the standard CF card slot?
Technically, the camera allows you to select 4K, but the write speeds of even the fastest UDMA 7 CompactFlash cards are insufficient for the 800Mbps bitrate of 4K 60fps. You will likely experience recording stops within a few seconds. For reliable 4K video recording, Canon explicitly recommends using the CFast 2.0 slot. The CF slot is best reserved for JPEGs or as a secondary RAW backup for stills.
What is the best card reader for these cards?
I always recommend using a card reader from the same brand as your cards to ensure maximum compatibility and speed. SanDisk and Lexar both make excellent USB 3.1 or USB-C CFast 2.0 readers. Avoid generic, cheap readers, as they can sometimes overheat or cause data corruption during long transfers. A high-quality reader is just as important as the card itself for a professional workflow.
Final Verdict
For most professionals using the Canon 1DX Mark II, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is the only choice that offers total peace of mind. However, if you are building a large kit on a budget, the Lexar 3500x provides nearly identical performance for less money. Enthusiasts or those just starting with this camera will find the Silicon Power card to be a capable entry point. Whichever you choose, ensure you have a high-quality reader to handle those massive files!
