Yongnuo 1.4X drains battery, warranty request experience

I purchased one of these back in August of 2016 based on good reviews on the 2x version. Auto focus works fine with my gear (1DM4, 70-200 IS II USM) & pictures are sharp. However, I've discovered that it drains the battery on my 1DM4 when the camera is on or off. I at first assumed that my battery was nearing end of life but just recently realized that the battery drain only happens when the extender is installed.

Warranty? While technically, it's still under warranty, the warranty appears to be virtually worthless. Yongnuo contacted me and said that I must pay shipping to China both ways, they won't provide an estimate for length of time to repair, and they still haven't provided the details I need to return the extender. Simple things like a shipping address and what documentation to include has not been communicated. I've asked for this basic information and we'll see if I ever get a response.

BTW, any idea what shipping to Hong Kong will entail? I'll probably just cut my losses and consider it a lesson learned, but I'll keep you posted on developments.

Go to www.usps.gov and you can use their shipping estimator

Yep, $23 one way, slow boat to China.

I'd be more inclined to suspect the cameras On/Off switch, or the battery. OTOH, it seems that the battery indicator often doesn't show drain until a certain point is reached. Maybe the AF in the extender is drawing more power than you think before the camera is turned off?

Could be the latter but don't think it's the on/off switch. It doesn't drain the batter when I don't have the TC connected and the battery seems to hold up just fine as well when the TC is not connected. I haven't touched the camera since Thursday afternoon and turned it on this morning & the battery still shows fully charged. If the TC had been connected, it would have been drained.

I know it sounds like a strange phenomenon but when I contacted Yongnuo they agreed that the TC was defective and the solution was to send it in for repair or replacement. I would think that if the TC couldn't drain the battery that they would tell me that there is nothing wrong with the TC.

It appears now that they will pay for the return shipping and they have finally provided a shipping address after 3 requests. I'm going to send it back and see what happens. I'll provide an update when I have more information.

Something to try...I recall several years ago that some 3rd party brand teleconverter (I don;t remember the brand) also would drain the batteries. It was determined that the lens had to be first mounted to the teleconverter and then the lens/teleconverter assembly had to be mounted to the camera body. Perhaps worth a try or even if you are doing this, then try the other way mounting the teleconverter to the body, then the lens to the teleconverter.

As a point of interest, the Yongnuosa site states the following with respect to their warranty. Where did you buy?

jdnan wrote in post #18412437
I purchased one of these back in August of 2016 based on good reviews on the 2x version.

Check the reviews at https://www.amazon.com …leconverter/dp/​B01E3OQ0PM. They suck and one review (perhaps you?) in particular discusses the exact issue you are having.

You might also add your comments at https://www.facebook.c​om/yongnuobuyingguide/.

YN's definition of warranty is 'throw it in the garbage and buy another one'. They clearly make it more trouble (and costly) than it's worth to fix their duds.

That is the standard method for mounting any teleconverter, as far as I've always understood. Mount to the lens first & then the camera. I had a Canon 2x III a few years ago and that was the instructions for that teleconverter.

John from PA wrote in post #18419246
Check the reviews at https://www.amazon.com …leconverter/dp/​B01E3OQ0PM. They suck and one review (perhaps you?) in particular discusses the exact issue you are having.

You might also add your comments at https://www.facebook.c​om/yongnuobuyingguide/.

Guilty