I have the Cuddeback and I really like it, but if I was buying another one I would try the Leaf River, They cost about the same and I think the LR will pick up a little farther with the flash. I'm not sure about battery life with the LR though, I know I can take over a 1000 pictures with my Cuddeback on one set of 4 D-cell batteries. Both are excellent units IMO, and you would be more than pleased with either one.