this be a cleverly design and well build product which will make a valuable addition to you tool box , provide you already have a couple DeWalt or B&D; 12v battery -lrb- they be interchangeable -rrb- . it would not make sense to buy a separate battery for it , as they cost about 2x as much as the light itself . these light be also make for other voltage , include 9.6 and 14.4 v.  I compare this light to a 2-d cell magnalite which weigh about the same -lrb- 1.5 lb w\/battery . -rrb- as one would expect give the difference in voltage -lrb- 12v vs. 3v -rrb- , the DeWalt appear to be several time as bright as the Magnalite and have a beam 3-4x as wide .  I only give the light three star because -lrb- 1 -rrb- it be overprice , even w \/ Amazon 's discount -lrb- 2 -rrb- replacement bulb be also expensive , although they do include a spare , and -lrb- 3 -rrb- you can not focus the beam - a wider `` flood '' beam would be preferable to the more intense spot for many application .  if all you want be a general-purpose lantern , there be several 6v dry cell unit available which represent better value . however , this one will utilize you exist battery & charger , and with its solid base and tilt capability can be configure to illuminate the typical work site better than most of its competitor .