One of the most important choices when selecting a lens is choosing between a fixed lens and a zoom lens. Each has its pros and cons, and Panasonic offers both options across a diverse range of projector lenses that cater to various projection needs.
Fixed lenses are designed with a singular, unchangeable focal length, which is the distance from the lens to the point where light rays converge to create a sharp image. This specificity means that a fixed lens will only project sharp images at a designated distance, making the placement of the projector a bit more challenging and potentially requiring some adjustments for optimal clarity.
However, there are noteworthy advantages to using fixed lenses. With fewer internal components, they allow light to pass more freely through the glass, resulting in exceptional optical performance characterized by high resolution and contrast. This makes them particularly well-suited for challenging projection environments where consistency in image quality is crucial.
A prime example of a high-quality fixed lens solution is Panasonic's ET-C1U200, an ultra short throw projector lens that excels in tight spaces. With a remarkable throw ratio of 0.380:1 at full HD, this lens is compatible with Panasonic's 1-Chip DLP™ projectors, enabling large-screen projections from very short distances. These features make fixed lenses a fantastic choice for permanent installations focused on delivering outstanding image quality. While the setup may require some extra time initially, the reward is well worth it, resulting in a spectacular viewing experience that will endure over time.
Where fixed lenses only offer one focal length, zoom lenses allow you to adjust the focal length. Variable focal lengths allow you to place projectors at different distances without changing lenses.
Optical zoom calls for a more complex array of internal lenses. This often makes such lenses larger and can leave less room for other internal mechanisms. While fixed lenses often have a slight edge over zoom lenses when it comes to optical performance, the optical performance for zoom lenses is still excellent.
Zoom lenses also come with a significant advantage in terms of versatility for different use cases. One of the advantages of Panasonic's zoom lenses is their versatility for different use cases. They enable quick adjustments without the need to relocate projectors, making it easier to accommodate varying screen sizes and throw distances. This adaptability not only enhances the efficiency of setups but also reduces the need to carry multiple lenses, saving valuable time, space, and equipment costs.
These characteristics make zoom lenses like Panasonic's especially useful for venues with limited space where you can't position projectors freely. The lenses are also suitable for temporary events like conferences and exhibitions that often call for quick setups with portable projector technology and varying screen sizes. Similarly, rental companies or venues hosting diverse events will find these invaluable.
Panasonic has also introduced several features for its ET-C1 series of zoom lenses that optimize optical performance and improve its working capabilities:
There have been a couple of enhancements to the lens glass. Ultra extra-low dispersion (UED) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration — reducing flare and color blur while increasing contrast. Anti-reflection coatings suppress internal reflections, enhancing color uniformity and reducing ghosting.
A stronger lens mounting structure enhances vibration resistance, maintaining focus stability over extended periods. The use of more durable, heat-resistant materials reduces the likelihood of focus drift caused by temperature fluctuations. This design change helps ensure more reliable performance in a diverse range of environments.
An expanded powered lens shift range enables flexible image positioning on the X and Y axes without having to physically move the projector. A powered peripheral focus function allows for remote adjustments of focus across the entire lens area, so even large-scale projections can be seen with high edge-to-edge clarity. The advantage of powered peripheral focus is that once installed, all adjustments can be made remotely by remote control, reducing the time and burden of adjustment compared to the previous lens series, which required reaching to the lens installation location and making adjustments manually.
The ET-C1 series also supports Panasonic's auto lens ID function, which enables the projector to recognize the lens and adjust projection settings accordingly. This function complements the lens memory function, which allows users to save zoom, focus, and shift settings for quick recall during different projection scenarios. Operators can control many of these settings with the Smart Projector Control app, enabling effective remote control — some of it directly from the camera feeding signals to the lens.
No matter your use case, Panasonic has a wide variety of lenses to fit your specific needs. The ET-C1 Series addresses common challenges faced by video professionals, offering solutions that enhance both image quality and operational efficiency. Read more about how to choose the right lens based on your specific projection needs.