LC012 1.5–3:1 Lens for 13 Sony Models: SNP-ELU100 ELU840 ELU740 ELU640 LU16KC LU13KC U100L U80L U70L

LC012 is a medium-to-long-throw lens for 0.65/0.66/0.67 panels (Sony), with a 1.5–3:1 throw ratio and lens shift. It is compatible with 13 projector models across 2 model series. This guide presents the lens specifications, installation distances, model compatibility list, and replacement considerations in a single place.

1. Lens Specifications

Lens shift is the key differentiator of this lens. The horizontal shift range of +64 %, -44 % and vertical shift range of +34 %, -27 % allow the projector to be installed away from the screen centerline. Lens shift can bring the image back into position without relying on keystone correction. Keystone correction comes at a cost—each adjustment step sacrifices some effective pixels and can blur text edges. In professional installations, never use keystone correction when lens shift can resolve the issue; this is the baseline for image quality.

2. Calculating Installation Distance from Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is the ratio of installation distance to image width. This is a zoom lens (1.5–3:1), so each image size corresponds to a range of distances; it can focus at any point within that range during installation.

The distances above are clear distances from the front of the lens to the screen and do not account for ventilation clearance or cable connections behind the projector. Figures are calculated for a 16:10 image; confirm actual distances by on-site measurement and in accordance with the manual.

Image quality differs at the two ends of the zoom range: near the short-throw end, the image is brighter and edges are slightly softer; near the long-throw end, edges are sharper and brightness is slightly lower. Where the venue permits, position the projector near the middle of the range. After installation, find the sharpest setting on the focus ring first, then fine-tune the lens shift—adjusting both variables together makes precise alignment difficult.

3. Compatible Projector Models (13 Models, Sony)

The table below is arranged from newest to oldest by model production date and includes each model's resolution, brightness, and standard factory lens zoom ratio, enabling quick identification based on project requirements.

The zoom ratio is the zoom factor of the standard factory lens for that model (upper limit ÷ lower limit of the factory throw-ratio range), not the zoom range of the lens featured in this article.

Common Characteristics of These Models

The standard factory lenses for these 13 models generally have throw ratios clustered around 1.22-1.52：1. The 1.5–3:1 ratio of the model featured here effectively modifies the focal-length range, producing different image sizes from the same projection distance—this is the direct reason for replacing the lens. It also retains full lens-shift capability, so the image can still be aligned after the focal-length range is changed.

4. Three Things to Confirm Before Replacement

• Panel and resolution must match. This model is designed for a 0.67-inch panel. Projectors with a different panel size or resolution may show different projection performance; the safest approach is to check the projector nameplate before installation.
• Interface and locking mechanism. Interfaces are generally compatible within the same platform generation, but locking-tab positions vary between generations. If the image is skewed or edges appear soft after installation, the most likely cause is an incompletely engaged lock, rather than a problem with the lens itself.
• Allow for lens-shift margin in the installation. The shift range provides some installation flexibility, but edge quality declines at the extremes; for typical use, keep the actual shift within 70% of the nominal values.

For models outside the list, the safest way to confirm compatibility is to send us photos of the projector nameplate and original lens. Platforms from the same generation often share interfaces, but ordering based solely on a similar model designation is not worth the risk.