LP3003 Lens 2.2–3:1 | Panasonic PT-SMZ15K SMZ18K SMZ21K SMZ20K SMZ17K SMZ14K SMZ16K SMZ13K +17 More

LP3003 is a medium-to-long-throw lens for engineering projectors (NEC and Panasonic), with a 2.2–3:1 throw ratio and lens shift. It is compatible with 25 models across 2 model series. This guide 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. A shift range of ±34% horizontally and ±14.5% vertically allows the projector to be installed off the screen’s central axis, with lens shift repositioning the image without requiring keystone correction. Keystone correction comes at a cost—each level of correction reduces the effective pixel count and may blur text edges. In professional installations, whenever lens shift can solve the alignment issue, keystone correction should never be used. This is the non-negotiable standard for image quality.

II. Calculating Installation Distance from Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is the ratio of installation distance to image width. This is a zoom lens (2.2–3:1), so each image size corresponds to a range of installation distances. The lens can focus anywhere within that range.

These figures represent the clear distance from the front of the lens to the screen and do not include clearance behind the projector for heat dissipation and cable connections. They are calculated for a 16:10 aspect ratio; actual values should be verified through on-site measurements and the manual.

Image quality varies at the two ends of the zoom range: near the wide-angle end, the image is brighter and the edges are slightly softer; near the telephoto end, the edges are sharper and brightness is slightly lower. If the venue allows, use the middle of the range. After installation, find the sharpest position on the focus ring first, then fine-tune the lens shift—adjusting both variables at the same time makes precise alignment difficult.

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

The following table is arranged from newest to oldest by model release date and includes each model’s resolution, brightness, and factory lens zoom ratio for quick selection based on project requirements.

Factory-Replaceable Lens Models

Factory lenses can be installed on 24 of these models. Their throw ratios are listed below for direct comparison with factory configurations.

NEC Factory Lenses

This model’s 2.2–3:1 range is the closest to the focal-length range of the factory NP-9LS20ZM1 (2.09-3.9:1), allowing the two options to be compared directly.

Common Features Across These Models

The standard factory lens throw ratios for these 25 models are generally listed as Depends on the lens. The 2.2–3:1 range of this model represents an adjustment to the focal-length range, allowing the same projection distance to produce different image sizes—this is the direct reason for replacing the lens. Full lens-shift capability is retained, so the image can still be realigned after the focal range is adjusted.

IV. Confirm Three Things Before Replacement

• Check the panel dimensions. Panel specifications for this model are not yet available. Please send us a photo of the projector nameplate for verification.
• Check the interface and locking mechanism. Interfaces are generally compatible across platforms of the same generation, but locking latch positions vary by generation. If the image is skewed or the edges are not sharp after installation, the latch is usually not fully engaged rather than the lens itself being defective.
• Include lens-shift margin in the installation plan. The shift range provides some installation flexibility, but edge image quality declines at the extremes. For actual use, keep the shift within 70% of the specified values.

For models not on the list, it is safer to send us the projector nameplate and a photo of the original lens for verification. Platforms of the same generation often share the same interfaces, but ordering based only on a similar model designation is not worth the risk.