What is the difference between a fixed lens and a zoom lens?

A fixed lens has a single throw ratio with no zoom capability. It produces one image size at a given distance, so the projector must be positioned at exactly the right distance from the screen. A zoom lens has a range from wide to telephoto, giving you flexibility to adjust the image size without physically moving the projector.

For event production, zoom lenses are far more common because venue conditions vary and projector positions are often constrained by rigging points, sightlines, or room geometry. Fixed lenses are used when precision is more important than flexibility, such as permanent installations or tightly engineered projection mapping rigs.

Read more about projectors in our Comprehensive Guide to Projectors article.