Best CFast 2.0 Memory Card for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is a legendary workhorse, but to unlock its 14fps burst rate and 4K 60p video, you absolutely need a high-performance CFast 2.0 card. Many photographers struggle with buffer lag or corrupted files when using subpar media. Having shot thousands of frames with this body, I’ve found that the SanDisk Extreme PRO is the most reliable companion for this specific dual-slot system. Here is our expert guide to the best CFast 2.0 cards available today.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best CFast 2.0 Memory Card for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
When the EOS-1D X Mark II launched, SanDisk was the primary partner for CFast 2.0, and that legacy of compatibility continues. In my testing, the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains the gold standard for reliability. With write speeds up to 450MB/s and read speeds reaching 525MB/s, it handles the 1D X Mark II’s massive 4K 60p Motion JPEG files—which can hit 800Mbps—without breaking a sweat. Whether you are shooting a high-speed sports sequence or a wedding, you won’t see the dreaded “Busy” signal on your LCD. It is VPG-130 certified, ensuring that the write speed never dips below 130MB/s, which is critical for video integrity. While it is often more expensive than newer brands, the peace of mind offered by SanDisk’s rigorous testing and RescuePRO Deluxe software recovery offer makes it the only card I trust for mission-critical assignments. It’s built to withstand harsh environments, making it a perfect match for the rugged 1D X chassis.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Lexar Professional 3500x is often the “sweet spot” for 1D X Mark II users who want flagship performance without the SanDisk price premium. It utilizes high-quality MLC flash memory to maintain sustained write speeds, which you’ll notice immediately when firing off 170-shot RAW bursts. I’ve found that Lexar cards often provide slightly faster offload times to my computer compared to older CFast cards, thanks to their optimized read controller. While Lexar went through a brand transition a few years back, the 3500x series has proven to be a resilient and compatible choice for Canon’s dual-processor architecture. It handles 4K video admirably, though I always recommend formatting it in-camera before every shoot to ensure the file system is fresh. It’s a fantastic value for wildlife photographers who need depth in their buffer but are shopping on a budget. The only downside is a slightly higher reported failure rate in extreme heat compared to the SanDisk, but for most users, it’s a stellar performer.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Silicon Power CFast 2.0 Card View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve just spent your savings on a used 1D X Mark II body and find yourself shocked by the price of CFast media, Silicon Power is your lifesaver. This card is significantly more affordable than the big-name brands while still meeting the technical requirements of the CFast 2.0 specification. In practice, it handles the 1D X Mark II’s RAW bursts quite well, though the buffer may take a few seconds longer to clear compared to a SanDisk. For 4K 60p video, it is generally reliable, but I have noticed it can run a bit warmer during extended recording sessions. It doesn’t carry the VPG-130 certification, so while it usually works for high-bitrate video, there is a slightly higher risk of a dropped frame during a 30-minute clip. However, for stills photography—especially for hobbyists or those using the 1D X for portraits—it is an incredible bargain. It’s an honest, no-frills card that makes the high-speed world of CFast accessible to everyone.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Angelbird AV PRO CF View on Amazon View on B&H
Angelbird has quickly become the favorite of the cinema world, and their AV PRO CF card is a masterpiece of Austrian engineering. What sets this card apart is their “Stable Stream” technology, which ensures that the write speed remains consistent across the entire capacity of the card. Many cards slow down as they get full, but the Angelbird maintains its performance whether it’s 5% or 95% full. For a 1D X Mark II shooter recording 4K 60p, this is a massive advantage. The build quality is also exceptional; it feels more substantial than the competition and is designed to handle extreme temperatures and physical shock. You also get a fantastic data recovery service included with the purchase, where they will actually attempt to recover files in their lab if the card fails physically. It’s a premium price for a premium product, but for professional videographers, the reliability and sustained performance are worth every penny.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
ProGrade Digital CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
ProGrade Digital was founded by former Lexar executives, and they brought a “no-nonsense” approach to memory card manufacturing. Their CFast 2.0 cards are rigorously tested and feature serialized tracking to ensure quality control. In my experience with the 1D X Mark II, the ProGrade card offers a very similar feel to the SanDisk—it’s fast, predictable, and doesn’t run overly hot. One feature I love is their “Refresh Pro” software (sold separately), which allows you to “sanitize” the card and return it to factory-fresh performance levels while also monitoring the health of the flash memory. This is a game-changer for high-volume shooters who cycle through hundreds of gigabytes weekly. It’s a professional-grade tool that sits right between Lexar and SanDisk in terms of price. If you want a modern card from a company that lives and breathes memory technology, ProGrade is a fantastic choice that won’t let your Canon down during a high-speed burst.
Check Price on Amazon → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose CFast 2.0 Memory Cards
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme PRO | Professional Work | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar Professional | Burst Stills | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Silicon Power | Budget Shooting | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Angelbird AV PRO | Cinema Video | ★★★★★ | Check |
| ProGrade Digital | High Volume | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a CFexpress card in my Canon EOS-1D X Mark II?
No, you cannot. While the 1D X Mark III uses CFexpress, the Mark II is strictly limited to CFast 2.0 and CompactFlash (UDMA 7). CFexpress cards have a different physical pin layout and use a PCIe interface, whereas CFast 2.0 uses a SATA interface. If you attempt to force a CFexpress card into the slot, you will likely damage the camera’s internal pins. Stick to CFast 2.0 for the high-speed slot.
Why do I need a CFast card for 4K 60p video?
The 1D X Mark II records 4K video using the Motion JPEG codec, which results in incredibly high bitrates (up to 800Mbps). Standard CompactFlash cards and even the fastest SD cards simply don’t have the write speed to handle that much data per second. The CFast 2.0 slot provides the necessary bandwidth to write those massive files in real-time without the buffer overflowing or the video file becoming corrupted.
Does the 1D X Mark II support dual recording to both cards?
Yes, but there is a catch. You can set the camera to record to both the CFast 2.0 slot and the CompactFlash slot simultaneously for backup. However, your performance will be limited by the slower card. If you are shooting 4K video, the CF slot cannot keep up, so dual recording for high-res video is generally not possible. For stills, it works great, but your buffer will clear slower.
What capacity CFast card should I buy for a day of shooting?
For stills, a 128GB card is usually the “sweet spot,” holding several thousand RAW files. If you are a heavy 4K video user, you should look at 256GB or even 512GB cards. At 800Mbps, you’ll burn through about 6GB of storage per minute. I usually carry two 128GB cards for a standard event, but for sports, I prefer a single 256GB card to avoid changing media mid-game.
Are cheap CFast cards reliable?
In the world of memory, you often get what you pay for. Cheaper brands like Silicon Power are great for hobbyists or as emergency backups, but they lack the rigorous thermal testing and sustained write speed certifications (VPG-130) of brands like SanDisk or Angelbird. If you are shooting a paid gig, the extra $50 for a professional-grade card is a very small price to pay for insurance against data loss.
Final Verdict
For the professional who cannot afford a single dropped frame, the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains the definitive choice for the 1D X Mark II. If you are a wildlife or sports enthusiast who mostly shoots stills, the Lexar Professional 3500x offers nearly identical performance for less money. For those strictly on a budget or looking for a secondary card, the Silicon Power is a viable entry point, though I would stick to Angelbird for heavy 4K video work.