Need Emergency LED lantern?

Reviewed several threads but many people wanted a camping lantern with high lumens. I am looking for an Emergency LED Lantern to have in the house with LONG battery life.
I prefer:
1) AA batteries if possible (but if the better ones use D batteries, so be it)
2) Multiple settings (hi med & low) (or atleast Hi and low)
3) Less than $30

Edited to add: If I can't find a better AA lantern, I am looking at the Energizer Weather Ready 4D light.

Also, I assume a lantern will do better than a flashlight with a diffuser. Correct? (given comparable cost, efficiency)

Define LONG battery life. There are many AA based LED lanterns out there, 3AA and 4AA versions with typically a high and low output.
The high outputs range from 40-80 lumens and run for 6-8 hours typically while the low levels on most models run for about 15-25 hours. Most of them cost between $12-$30. As far as a lantern doing better than a flashlight + diffuser, I would say in the sub $30 variety you are probably right as the efficiency is the same and the lantern design makes for a better output but higher cost lights can be more efficient with more output ranges that can conserve power better than most lantern circuits can.

check out the Egear grenade 3 AA 50 hours on low max 136 lumen output, I have one of their 4AA models no longer made excellent lantern quality manufactured built for backpackers
http://www.batteryjunction.com/13100.html

Don't forget coleman camping equipment coleman.com they have alot of new led lights/lanterns some really nice looking stuff

Rayovac Sportsman Extreme provided you are looking for a camping lantern and not a backpacking lantern. Runs on three D Cells at 75 hours at 300 cool white lumens and I believe close to 150 hours on low (Manufacturer specs). Have two of them myself for general outdoor and emergency illumination. Bright and durable. Globe is somwhat diffused to reduce glare. Can be hung upside down as a tent or area light, Please note that "low" is not a true low output but a lower output than high. If you camp where you need one setting with minimal output to avoid annoying other campers this will not work for you.

I plan to get a Thrunite 1C and a fenix camping lantern, perhaps the 2AA Thrunite and the lantern attachment thing would be good?

I like the Rayovac Sportsman Extreme 3D Lantern for main room and a few Rayovac Sportsman Mini 3AA Lantern for all over the house.

northslope said:

Edited to add: If I can't find a better AA lantern, I am looking at the Energizer Weather Ready 4D light.

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It's not AA obviously, but that one is a great choice for a lantern that's going to be kept at home. The AA and AAA lanterns are made so they'll be easier to tote around for camping.

I didn't get the energizer one. I found this one and ordered it.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ld-keywords=small+package+led+lantern&x=0&y=0
It is a Favourlight lantern sold at Amazon as a No Name brand. Uses AA batteries and seems to get good reviews. I may get the energizer one too. I will wait to see how this one works.

Please be sure to stop by my guide for details.

LEDAddict, do you happen to know the O-ring sizes for this Favourlight AA lantern? The one for the lid, and base. Thanks.

LEDAdd1ct said:

Please be sure to stop by my guide for details.

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The thread above is a great resource. And I highly recommend the lantern it references. Liked the first one so much, I now own three.

that lantern looks exactly like the egear grenade is it 3AA? Looks like it has the green led blinker/find me light.its a nice bright lantern

I also have one of those and it is a nice light. Output is decent as is the build quality. I like a little more punch for an emergency lantern, but that ond does nicely in a pinch. Did not know that Amazon ahd it. May acquire another one now.......

damn_hammer said:

LEDAddict, do you happen to know the O-ring sizes for this Favourlight AA lantern? The one for the lid, and base. Thanks.

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Off the top of my head, no, but I'd be happy to measure for you. Do you want inches or mm?

Once measured, I'll add them to the first post of the guide as an update for others.

LEDAdd1ct said:

Off the top of my head, no, but I'd be happy to measure for you. Do you want inches or mm?

Once measured, I'll add them to the first post of the guide as an update for others.

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whichever i'd need to order some spares, i'm guessing mm. thanks.