LP3002 Projector Lens 3–4.5:1 for PT-SMZ15K/SMZ18K/SMZ21K/SMZ20K/SMZ17K/SMZ14K/SMZ16K/SMZ13K

LP3002 is a medium-to-long-throw lens for professional projectors (NEC and Panasonic), offering a 3–4.5:1 throw ratio and lens shift. It is compatible with 25 projector models across 2 model series. This article presents the lens specifications, installation distances, model compatibility list, and replacement considerations in one place.

I. Lens Specifications

Lens shift is the key differentiator of this lens. Its shift range of ±35.7% horizontally and ±14.6% vertically allows the projector to be installed off the screen centerline, with lens shift bringing the image back into alignment without keystone correction. Keystone correction comes at a cost—each adjustment reduces the effective pixel count and can blur text edges. In professional installations, avoid keystone correction whenever lens shift can solve the alignment; preserving image quality is the bottom line.

II. Calculating Installation Distance from the Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is the ratio of installation distance to image width. This lens is a zoom lens (3–4.5:1), so a given image size corresponds to a range of installation distances; it can focus anywhere within that range during installation.

The distances above are clear distances from the front of the lens to the screen and do not include clearance for cooling at the rear of the chassis or for cable connections. These values are based on a 16:10 image; actual values should be verified through on-site measurements and the manual.

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

III. Compatible Models (25 Models, NEC and Panasonic)

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

Factory Lens Model Options

Of these models, 24 can be fitted with factory lenses. The corresponding throw ratio for each lens model is listed below for comparison with factory solutions.

NEC Factory Lenses

The 3–4.5:1 focal range of the model featured here is closest to that of the factory NP-9LS20ZM1 (2.09-3.9:1) lens, making the two easy to compare directly.

Common Features Across These Models

The throw ratios of the standard factory lenses for these 25 models generally vary by lens: Depends on the lens. The 3–4.5:1 range of the model featured here represents an adjustment to the focal range, allowing different image sizes at the same projection distance—this is the direct reason for replacing the lens. Full lens-shift capability is retained, so the image can still be aligned after the focal range is adjusted.

IV. Three Checks Before Replacement

• Check the panel size. The panel specifications for this model are not currently listed. Please send us a photo of the chassis nameplate for verification.
• Check the interface and locking mechanism. Interfaces are generally compatible across platforms of the same generation, but the locking latch position differs by generation. If the image appears skewed or the edges are not sharp after installation, this usually indicates that the lock is not fully engaged, rather than a fault with the lens itself.
• Account for lens-shift margin in the installation. The shift range provides installation margin, but edge image quality declines when it is pushed to the limit. For actual use, keep the shift within 70% of the specified value.

For compatibility with a model outside the list, the safest approach is to send us the chassis nameplate and a photo of the original lens for verification—same-generation platforms often share interfaces, but the risks of ordering based on a similar model designation are not worth taking.