Long throw projector on a budget

[Alec]

We're looking to do a permanent projector install in our church. Owing to the layout, there's a perfect position for the projector (rear projecting) which will make mounting a piece of cake. However, it results in an 8.5 m throw needing to produce a 3x2.25m image, and all the off-the-shelf projectors I can find appear to be much shorter throw than that.

 

Had been liking the look of the ViewSonic PJ1158 4,000 lumens (which is really our target brightness) at just under £1,400. But have been quoted a whopping additional £1,200 for a long throw lens (LENS-005).

 

Now, we could go for mounting the projector closer to the screen, but that will involve some complex mounting solutions and a drop from a *very* high ceiling - not to mention added hassle for power/signal and service access, so we really want to keep to the original location.

 

Any other bright ideas for a long throw bright projector that won't break the bank? Or are there generic lenses that won't similarly break the bank? Or do we just need to bite the bullet?

[SoLiEn]

for the size of the picture you need that is one hell of a throw, I would say bite the bullet. or explore unconventional mounting positions.

[Jivemaster]

There may be a generic suplimentary afocal tele attatchment available from a photo or ciné or video specialist

 

The good ones are very good the bad ones not so.

[lukemh]

I would be surprised to find a better offer new. have you tried ebay? for reference our lenses can range at rrp from £1750-£10+k

[Pete McCrea]

You'll struggle to get what you want in terms of the throw. 99% of machines with fixed lenses are for short to medium throw applications. A 5000 Lumen Christie LX500 will come with a standard throw lens, but to buy the additional one will cost around £1300 ex VAT for the lens. So I'm afraid it's either up the budget or consider the mounting options.

 

That said Unicol do make good mounts, and I've seen some stuff in Asda/B&Q/Tesco type stores with a plasma on nearly 5m of single column....

[Alec]

There may be a generic suplimentary afocal tele attatchment available from a photo or ciné or video specialist

 

The good ones are very good the bad ones not so.

 

Where would I start looking?

 

(Still accepting that I may just have to bite the bullet and pay for a pricey lens...)

[Jivemaster]

Just assume that the projector will no longer be supported for spares and service within 6 months then see if the lens is an OK extra!As for a supplimentary lens, I'd look in Jessops (photo shop) Other photo shops, daytime soho (Wardour, Frith and Greek streets). I'd probably search plasa.org for British Optical -a supplier of lenses etc who once were at Plasashow.

[Pete McCrea]

Christie have just EOL the LX480, but will continue to support it for <goes off to hunt the webmail for the email> 3 (maybe 5- I can't get my email at the mo...) years. And often it is a tweak to the optics that EOL's a unit, meaning the lenses stay constant for a good few years. The LX50 type machines had been running the same lens type for around 7 years, the LX380 type for the last two, and I guess for a good while yet.

[jason5dg]

ebay

 

I see long lenses go quite often for peanuts.

then get a projector to go with it

[Jivemaster]

"tele lens adaptor" as an ebay search term brings up al sorts of ideas some at sensible prices! Have a look the potter off to a camera shop and have a look.

[rgye]

I reckon one of the most comprehensive sites for projectors and lenses is

http://www.wedgwood-group.com/projectors.htm

They have a separate section for lenses, so you can match the various projectors with interchangeable lenses.