Bushnell’s New Fusion 1 Mile Laser Rangefinder/Binoculars
John E. Phillips 01.16.13
Bushnell has introduced the new Fusion 1 Mile laser rangefinder/binoculars for 2013. The rangefinder ranges out to an impressive one mile, but one of the coolest things about this product is the matrix display technology being used in the binoculars.
“Previous laser range finder/binoculars that our company has done in the past have required a coating on the lens to get the display to show up brightly,” according to Scott Peterson, product manager for laser rangefinders at Bushnell. “But Bushnell has used matrix display technology in these new binoculars that allows for a clear, crisp, 2-color fidelity in all lighting conditions. This bright display that is user-controlled enables you to control the brightness of the display under all weather and light conditions. We also have a patented angle range compensation technology for bowhunters that can give the archer compensated distances out to 99 yards.” In other words, once the range finder in the binoculars tells you the distance, whether you’re shooting uphill, downhill or from a tree stand, you can set your bowsight to shoot on-target accurately with this distance reported by the Fusion 1 Mile. For rifle hunters, the binoculars can give them bullet drop and holdover information in inches, M.O.A. or milldot, based on their caliber and load combinations. These binoculars come in three different styles, 8×32, 10×42 and 12×50 and will be available in February, 2013.
Often when you hear the words “laser rangefinder/binoculars with angle range compensation,” you automatically think of a $2,000, a $3,000, or even a $4,000 price tag. However, the 8×32 Fusion 1 Mile sells for $999; the 10×42 for $1,199; and the 12×50 for $1,299. “Bushnell can keep the price down,” Peterson explains, “because Bushnell is the first company in the industry to make laser rangefinders. Our patents and proprietary properties make it extremely difficult for other companies to make these types of range finders at these price points.” To learn more about these new binoculars, go to www.bushnell.com.
John, the 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the year and the 2007 Legendary Communicator chosen for induction into the National Fresh Water Hall of Fame, is a freelance writer (over 6,000 magazine articles for about 100 magazines and several thousand newspaper columns published), magazine editor, photographer for print media as well as industry catalogues (over 25,000 photos published), lecturer, outdoor consultant, marketing consultant, book author and daily internet content provider with an overview of the outdoors.
Phillips has been a contributor to many national magazines, has been affiliated with 27 radio stations across Alabama serving as their outdoor editor and wrote for a weekly syndicated column, "Alabama Outdoors," for 38-Alabama newspapers for more than 13 years. Phillips was Outdoor Editor for the "Birmingham Post-Herald" for 24 years. Phillips was also the executive editor for "Great Days Outdoors" magazine for 3 years.
The author of almost 30 books on the outdoors, Phillips is a founding member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) and an active member of the Southeastern Outdoors Press Association (SEOPA). Phillips also is the owner of Night Hawk Publications, a marketing and publishing firm, and president of Creative Concepts, an outdoor consulting group.
Phillips conducts seminars across the nation at colleges in freelance writing, photography and outdoor education besides teaching courses in how to sell what you write to writers' groups. Phillips received his photography training as a still-lab photo specialist for six years in the Air Force. He was the chief photographer for Mannequins, Inc., a Birmingham modeling agency, for 11 years.
While serving as 2nd Vice President of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Phillips was in charge of all press releases for the organization as well as serving as Chairman of Alabama's Big Buck Contest, which he founded more than 30 years ago. He also was president of the Alabama Sportsman's Association for three years.
Phillips is the recipient of a Certificate of Merit from the Governor of Alabama and the Department of Conservation for his work in the outdoor field. Phillips is vitally interested in the outdoors and travels the nation collecting personalities, stories and how-to information for his articles and features.
EDUCATION: B.S. degree from the University of West Alabama with a physical education major and a history minor.
EXPERIENCE: 10 years parttime and fulltime physical director for YMCAs and 34 years as a freelance writer, photographer, editor, book author, lecturer and daily-content provider for websites. Currently, Phillips is a field editor for Game and Fish Publications; serves on the editorial board of Grandview Media; is a regular contributor to 12 internet magazines and a daily content provider for 8 websites.
WRITING AWARDS: Runnerup - Best Outdoor Magazine Feature - 1981 - SEOPA; Certificate of Merit - Awarded by Alabama's Governor for writings on conservation; Most Outstanding Sports Writer in Southeast - 1983 & 1984; Best Outdoor Feature in Alabama, 1987 - Alabama Sportswriters' Association 3rd Place; Best Book of the Year - 1989 - SEOPA; 2007 - inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator; 2008 - received award naming him 2008 Crossbow Communicator of the Year from the Crossbow Manufacturers' Association; 2009 - GAMMA Honorable Mention for Consumer/Paid Best Essay for July/August 2008 in "Southern Sporting Journal."
