I just got this lantern. I'm testing it out using hi capacity NiMH rechargeables. Works very nicely. I've got 13 hours so far on high, and still going strong. I returned a 4D collapseable version. Biggest drawback on the 4D pack-away, besides its lower light output with its convoluted reflector system was that it flickered sometimes due to the sliding contacts inside used to turn it off automatically when collapsed. This model of course does not exhibit that problem.
Build quality of this model is pretty good. Battery holder is a little flimsy. Light output is nothing to really gripe about. It's good, but of course more is always better. Somewhere around 10 hours on high, and 20+ on low would still be acceptable and Low would then be as bright as this current model is on high. That would pretty much maximize this lantern using 8 D-cells, and would make it superior in light output and efficiency to any older flourescent models, and pretty much obsolete them altogether.
Coleman has just offered another new model above this one with 4 removeable panels that will run on their own. It has 24 conventional type LEDs, and looks solidly built out of a thermoplastic though not too water resitant looking design (could be wrong on that upon a closer inspection). It's selling now at Bass Pro Shop for $79, but I don't like the aesthetics of it. It's not very nice looking like a classic lantern.
I'd like to see this model beefed up just a little more on the output with a little more robust battery holder and an improved ring around the base for slippage and or more protection.
If Coleman wants to support "green" initiatives as an outdoors company, then for those of us who will use NiMHs, or the newest generation low self-leakage NiMHs, the battery holder and springs could be more robust for more frequent battery changes. (Coleman's rechargeable version of this lantern should be good for most not wanting separates, but the self contained model has lower light output, and lasts less time on a charge than going hi-cap D-cells in this one. Plus, when the cells go bad, I won't have to buy a new lantern, or pay as much as a new one for a custom replacement battery and/or service.) The plastic on this one's battery holder is fairly thin, and the springs are very thin. Feels delicate enough that one should use caution changing batteries, or it might crack and bend springs. It's a bit flimsy for my tastes with flexing so be careful.
I'd really like to see some rubber around the base or an integrated bead around the edge of the lip. The thin liped, hard plastic edge on the bottom seems like it might wind up getting some chunks broken out of it for some harder users, or from sitting it on the ground in rocky terrain rather than just picnic tables.
It appears that this lantern wins the beauty contest for sure, but that Coleman's new panelized lantern would probably win a durability test.