Best CFast Memory Cards for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II remains a powerhouse for sports and wildlife, but its dual-slot design—one CFast 2.0 and one CompactFlash—often leaves photographers scrambling for the right media. To unlock that blistering 14fps burst and 4K/60p video, you absolutely need a high-performance CFast card. I’ve tested dozens of cards in the field, and while the SanDisk Extreme PRO is the industry standard, there are newer, faster options that offer better value for your professional workflow today.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best CFast Memory Cards for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are shooting for a client where failure isn’t an option, the SanDisk Extreme PRO is the card I always reach for. It was essentially designed alongside the 1D X Mark II’s release to ensure the camera could handle its massive 170-RAW file buffer. With read speeds up to 525MB/s and write speeds of 450MB/s, it never breaks a sweat during high-speed bursts. I’ve used these cards in freezing temperatures and humid stadiums, and they’ve never once corrupted a file. The VPG-130 rating is crucial here; it guarantees a sustained write speed of 130MB/s, which is the bare minimum you want for the 1D X Mark II’s 800Mbps 4K 60p MJPEG video format. While it is often the most expensive option on the shelf, the peace of mind and the RescuePRO Deluxe software recovery offer are worth the premium for working professionals.
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Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
Lexar has long been the primary rival to SanDisk, and their 3500x CFast 2.0 cards offer nearly identical performance for a significantly lower price point. In my testing, you’ll notice that the offload speeds via a USB 3.1 Gen 2 reader are remarkably snappy, hitting that 525MB/s ceiling easily. This is a “Best Value” pick because it hits the sweet spot between high-end performance and sensible pricing. It handles the 1D X Mark II’s 16fps Live View bursts without any stuttering. Some users used to worry about Lexar’s reliability after their brand ownership change a few years ago, but the 3500x series has proven to be a workhorse in the field. It’s perfect for the wildlife photographer who needs to buy two or three cards for a long trip without spending a four-figure sum on storage alone. Just be sure to format the card in-camera before every major shoot.
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Silicon Power CFast 2.0 Cinema PRO View on Amazon View on B&H
CFast 2.0 technology is notoriously expensive because it was a niche standard, but Silicon Power has done a great job bringing prices down with their Cinema PRO line. While the name suggests it’s for video, it works perfectly for stills on the 1D X Mark II. You’re getting 540MB/s read and 450MB/s write speeds, which matches the “big brands” on paper. In practical use, the buffer clears slightly slower than the SanDisk, but unless you are firing 100-shot RAW bursts every ten seconds, you won’t feel the difference. It lacks the extensive ruggedization of more expensive cards, and I’ve noticed it runs a bit hotter during long video recordings. However, if you’ve just bought a used 1D X Mark II and are feeling the “sticker shock” of the accessories, this card is an honest, reliable way to get the camera’s full performance without breaking the bank.
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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 their expertise shines in their CFast 2.0 lineup. These cards are engineered for endurance. They feature advanced wear leveling and error correction, which is vital if you are frequently overwriting data during long video shoots. I find their “Refresh Pro” software capability (sold separately) to be a game-changer; it allows you to monitor the health of your card and “sanitize” it to restore factory-fresh speeds. For the 1D X Mark II, this means incredibly consistent performance even when the card is nearly full. The 550MB/s read speed makes offloading 128GB of 4K footage a breeze rather than a chore. It’s a premium price, but it’s the most modern architecture you can get for this card format, ensuring it will last as long as the camera does.
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Angelbird AV PRO CF View on Amazon View on B&H
Angelbird is an Austrian company that prioritizes sustained performance over “peak” marketing numbers. Their AV PRO CF card is a tank. It’s built with x-ray and magnetic protection and is designed to handle extreme temperatures—ideal if you’re shooting a winter marathon or a desert rally. What I love about Angelbird is their “Stable Stream” technology; it ensures that the write speed doesn’t dip or fluctuate, which prevents dropped frames in the 1D X Mark II’s 4K 60p mode. They also include a very robust data recovery service if things go south. The physical build of the card feels slightly more substantial than the Silicon Power or Lexar options. It’s a specialized choice for the photographer who works in the world’s harshest conditions and needs a card that can survive the journey.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best CFast Card
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme PRO | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar Professional 3500x | Value Seekers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Silicon Power Cinema PRO | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| ProGrade Digital | Heavy Video | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Angelbird AV PRO CF | Extreme Weather | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an SD card in the Canon 1D X Mark II?
No, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II does not have an SD card slot. It features one CFast 2.0 slot and one CompactFlash (UDMA 7) slot. To get the most out of the camera’s high-speed capabilities, you must use the CFast 2.0 slot. The CompactFlash slot is much slower and is generally used as a backup or for lower-resolution stills, as it cannot handle 4K 60p video recording speeds.
Why are CFast 2.0 cards so much more expensive than SD cards?
CFast 2.0 cards use the SATA III interface, the same technology found in SSDs, allowing for much higher speeds than traditional SD cards. However, the format never saw widespread adoption outside of professional cinema cameras and the 1D X Mark II, leading to lower production volumes and higher costs. While they are expensive, they offer the industrial-grade reliability and heat dissipation required for high-bitrate professional workflows and sustained data transfer.
Do I need a special card reader for CFast 2.0?
Yes, you will need a dedicated CFast 2.0 card reader. Standard CompactFlash readers will not work because the pin configuration and interface are completely different, despite the cards looking similar in size. I highly recommend getting a USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 reader to ensure you can actually see the 500MB/s+ transfer speeds when moving your files to your computer for editing.
What happens if I use a slow CompactFlash card for video?
If you attempt to record 4K 60p video to the CompactFlash slot instead of the CFast slot, the camera will likely stop recording after just a few seconds. The write speed of even the fastest UDMA 7 CF cards (around 150MB/s) is insufficient for the 800Mbps (100MB/s) bitrate required by the 1D X Mark II’s Motion JPEG format, especially as the card’s buffer fills up over time.
Is 128GB enough for a day of shooting?
For still photography, a 128GB card is usually plenty, holding roughly 3,000 to 4,000 RAW files. However, for 4K 60p video, 128GB only provides about 20-25 minutes of recording time because the files are massive. If you are a hybrid shooter, I recommend carrying at least two 128GB cards or stepping up to a 256GB card to ensure you don’t run out of space during a critical moment.
Final Verdict
For the working professional, the SanDisk Extreme PRO remains the gold standard for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II due to its proven track record and VPG-130 rating. If you’re a hobbyist or looking to save some cash, the Lexar 3500x offers nearly identical performance for less. For those venturing into extreme climates, the Angelbird is your best bet. Always remember to prioritize write speed to keep that 14fps burst humming!