"deegle: I'm looking for a decent (bright, good quality, and acceptable run time), but not overly expensive, AA light"
and then: I'd like a 2AA light. Looking to spend roughly $50 or so. That is a little flexible."
D10 is nice light (i carry mine everyday) but it is not a 2AA, that would be the nitecore D20 model if one wants such an user interface. (d10 is 59-70$ depending the led and if you need a pocket clip.)
but it is also likely that most people would be amazed of the light output of just 1AA light.
simple to use: go for eagletac. click on and off.. and higher output available by turning the head. (and i think its bargain at 40$)
harder to use: fenix lights. multi mode light that you change the output by half pressing the button. (also more modes available via head twist) -fenix has about the best runtimes in lights.
interesting to use: Nitecore d20, click to turn on. click to on and then hold the button down it brightens or goes dimmer (choose when to release the button for the righ output, you can pick it almost everywhere between low and high. (double click= lowest possible output. click+press= highest)
but this is also almost 60 or more.
to name another option that havent been mentioned yet:
interesting to use: itp c8 light. click on. loosen the head to begin the dimming or brightening.. it will ramp up or down and when you reach the "right" amount of light you tighten the head and it will stay there.
-to me it is easier to use and handle to novice than the nitecore setup. and the ramping is more steady.. d10/d20 seem to jump too fast between low and medium. and its less than 50$.
i would recommend to think if the person is likely to carry it in his pocket everyday (then 1AA, it would be easier to carry)
if its going to be used as household chore light (walk the dog take the trash look into garage etc. ) then 2 cell AA.
and then think iif its more useful to be a keep it simple-kind.. eagletac.
or more demanding, like itp, fenix or nitecore.
