WE290 Lens 0.5–0.6:1 for 33 Optoma Models: ZU820 ZU920 ZU800 CUL600 CUL700 CUL800 AZU1310 AZU1110

WE290 is a short-throw lens for 0.65/0.66/0.67 panels (Optoma), with a 0.5–0.6:1 throw ratio and lens shift. It is compatible with 33 models across 2 model series. This article presents the lens specifications, installation distances, model compatibility list, and replacement considerations in one place.

1. Lens Specifications

Lens shift is the key differentiator of this lens. The shift ranges of ±35% horizontally and ±10% vertically allow the projector to be installed off the screen centerline while lens shift repositions the image, eliminating the need for keystone correction. Keystone correction comes at a cost—each adjustment sacrifices some effective pixels and can blur text at the edges. In professional installations, lens shift should be used whenever possible instead of keystone correction; this is essential for maintaining image quality.

2. Calculating Installation Distance from Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is the ratio of the installation distance to the image width. This is a zoom lens (0.5–0.6:1), so a given image size corresponds to a range of distances. The lens can be focused 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 include clearance for rear housing cooling or cabling. They are calculated for a 16:10 image; actual requirements should be confirmed through on-site measurements and the manual.

Image quality differs at the two ends of the zoom range: toward the short end, the image is brighter and the edges appear slightly softer; toward the long end, the edges are sharper and brightness decreases slightly. When site conditions allow, the middle of the range is recommended. After installation, first find the sharpest setting on the focus ring, then fine-tune the lens shift—precise alignment is difficult when both variables are adjusted at the same time.

3. Compatible Models (33 Models, Optoma)

The following table is ordered by model production timeline, from newest to oldest. It lists the resolution, brightness, and zoom ratio of the original standard lens for each model, enabling quick selection according to project requirements.

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

OEM Interchangeable Lens Models

Among these models, 12 models support OEM lenses. The throw ratio for each lens model is listed below for comparison with OEM configurations.

Optoma OEM lenses

The 0.5–0.6:1 ratio of the model featured in this article is closest in focal range to the OEM A17 (0.65 ~ 0.75), making the options easy to compare directly.

Common Characteristics of These Models

The original standard lenses for the 33 models generally have throw ratios within the 1.22-1.52：1 range. The 0.5–0.6:1 ratio of the model featured in this article effectively changes the focal range, allowing different image sizes at the same projection distance—this is the primary reason for replacing the lens. Full lens-shift capability is also retained, so the image can still be aligned after the focal range is changed.

4. Three Checks Before Replacement

• Confirm the panel and resolution match. This model is compatible with a 0.67-inch panel. Projectors with different panel sizes or resolutions will exhibit differences in projection performance. Checking the nameplate on the projector before installation provides the most reliable confirmation.
• Check the interface and locking mechanism. Interfaces are generally compatible across platforms of the same generation, but locking-latch positions differ between generations. If the image appears skewed or the edges are not sharp after installation, the lock is usually not fully engaged; this is generally not a lens issue.
• Include the lens-shift margin in installation planning. The shift range provides additional installation flexibility, but edge quality declines when the lens is pushed to its limits. Actual shift adjustment should be kept within 70% of the rated values.

For models not on the list, the safest approach is to send us the projector nameplate and a photo of the original lens for verification—platforms of the same generation often share the same interface, but the risks of ordering based on a similar model code are not worth taking.