True, it is rather on the expensive side. But in the defense of Bill & Company, the lens is extremely well made. And what I like best is the fact that the on/off switch is on the side of the cherrywood base. That eliminates the problem of picking up the lens and putting it down again -- thus minimizing the possibility of breakage. Love it!
The lens is well made but you could have purchased two LE's for the price of one lens. All my lenses are NBL (never been lit). It's nice they made the on/off switch handy for those who use it.
I dislike having switches or "plug-ins" along the lower edge of my HL's. I think it detracts from the overall appeal of the piece. I respect HL's right to offer new improved products such as lighted pieces, but prefer the old standard pieces instead.
Bob
