What is the best budget flashlight?

Welcome to BLF rjt378!

I would suggest you buying two lights:

- single-AA light for EDC: Balder SE-1 NW

- multi-AA light in case you need more light / throw: Cyclone C88 NW

Note that both lights have Neutral White emitters, which you (as a photographer) will like a lot!

Both of those lights work also as a port to LiIon world:

- SE-1 accepts a 14500 and is much brighter with that

- C88 will allow either 18650 or 26650, is somewhat brighter and runs longer