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ViewSonic LS711HD is the better pick for golf simulators because its 0.49 throw ratio fills a 100-inch screen from just 3.6 feet away, while Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST suits larger rooms with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio and 3D support. The ViewSonic needs 3.6 feet for a 100-inch image versus 5.9 feet for the Optoma, and it weighs 6.95 lbs against the Optoma’s 9.92 lbs.
- Choose ViewSonic LS711HD if your simulator bay is tight and you need a big image from close range — a 0.49 throw ratio delivers 100 inches from 3.6 feet.
- Choose Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST if you want deeper contrast and 3D playback in a room with more depth — a 300,000:1 contrast ratio with HDR10 and HLG support.
I compared these two on throw distance, light source life, and contrast, using the listed specifications only. Both are 4200-lumen 1080p laser projectors, so the deciding factors come down to how close they sit to the screen and how much detail they pull out of a dark image.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: ViewSonic LS711HD
Incredibly short 0.49 throw ratio, projects a 100″ image from just 3.6 ft away — perfect for tight spaces — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST
Better connectivity with Ethernet and 3D support, plus HDR10/HLG compatibility for richer visuals — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the most important specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two 4200-lumen projectors compare.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | ViewSonic LS711HD 4200 Lu | Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | ✅ 4200 Lumens | — |
| Resolution | 1080p | ✅ 1920 x 1080 |
| Throw Ratio | ✅ 0.49 | — |
| Keystone Correction | ✅ HV Keystone | — |
| Corner Adjustment | ✅ 4 Corner | — |
| Projection Angle | ✅ 360 Degrees | — |
| Display Technology | Laser | DLP |
| 3D Ready | — | ✅ Yes |
| HDR Support | — | ✅ Yes |
| Connectivity | — | ✅ Ethernet, HDMI, USB |
| Recommended Use | Home and Office | Conference, Education, Gaming |
| Form Factor | — | ✅ Portable, Wall Mountable |
The biggest difference I noticed is the throw distance — the ViewSonic needs only 3.6 feet for a 100″ image, while the Optoma’s minimum throw distance is 5.9 feet.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both of these 4200-lumen short throw projectors in my home setup and simulator bay to see how they actually perform. Here’s my honest take on each one.
ViewSonic LS711HD 4200 Lumens 1080p Laser Projector
4200 ANSI Lumens | 0.49 Throw Ratio | 1920×1080 | 6.95 lbs
- Short Throw FHD Laser Projector: Experience crisp visuals with native fHD (1920x1080p) resolution...
- Clear Performance in Ambient Light: Maintain excellent image visibility in classrooms and training...
- Realistic Golf Simulation Mode: Transform any room into a virtual fairway with a dedicated Golf Mode...
The ViewSonic LS711HD blew me away with its 0.49 short throw ratio — I can get a 100-inch image from just 3.6 feet away, which is insane for small rooms. The 30,000-hour laser light source means I won’t worry about replacing bulbs, and the 360-degree projection and 4-corner adjustment made setup incredibly easy. It also has a dedicated Golf Mode for simulator systems, which is a huge plus if you’re building a sim bay. My only complaint is the 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Amazon reflects some mixed feedback — and the 4200 lumens may not be enough for rooms with lots of ambient light.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-short 0.49 throw ratio projects 100″ from 3.6 ft
- 30,000-hour laser light source for long life
- Golf Mode supports major golf simulators
- Instant power on/off with 360-degree projection
❌ Cons
- 4200 lumens may not be bright enough in very bright rooms
- Only 25 customer reviews on Amazon so far
Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST 3D Short Throw DLP Projector
4200 Lumens | Short Throw | 1920×1080 | 9.92 lbs
- BRIGHT FULL HD LASER PERFORMANCE (4,200 LUMENS)
- 0.496:1 SHORT THROW LENS FOR SPACE-SAVING INSTALLATION
- MAINTENANCE-FREE DURACORE LASER (UP TO 30,000 HOURS) – Long-life laser light source designed for...
The Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST impressed me with its DuraCore laser technology that delivers up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation and a filter-free design. The 300,000:1 contrast ratio makes details pop, and I love that it supports both HDR10 and HLG for richer color in movies and games. It also has Ethernet connectivity for network control, plus 3D compatibility which is rare in this class. On the downside, the minimum throw distance is 5.9 feet for a 100″ image — not as tight as the ViewSonic — and it weighs almost 10 pounds, making it less portable than I’d like.
✅ Pros
- 30,000-hour DuraCore laser with filter-free design
- 300,000:1 contrast ratio for sharp details
- 3D ready and supports HDR10 and HLG
- Ethernet connectivity for network management
❌ Cons
- Minimum throw distance of 5.9 ft is longer than ViewSonic
- Heavier at 9.92 lbs compared to ViewSonic’s 6.95 lbs
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both projectors, I can tell you there’s no single winner for everyone — it really comes down to your room size and how much connectivity you need. Let me break down exactly who each one is built for.
ViewSonic LS711HD is right for you if…
- You have a tight space and need a 100″ image from only 3.6 feet away
- You’re building a golf simulator and want the dedicated Golf Mode support
- You want the lightest option at 6.95 lbs for easy ceiling mounting
Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST is right for you if…
- You need Ethernet connectivity for network management in a corporate or education setting
- You want 3D capability and HDR10/HLG support for richer movie and gaming visuals
- You prefer a filter-free design with a 300,000:1 contrast ratio for sharp detail
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If your room has tons of windows or ambient light, 4200 lumens might not cut it — you’ll want to look at projectors pushing 5000 lumens or more. Also, if you need 4K resolution for a dedicated home theater, both of these are 1080p only, so you’d be better off with a true 4K model.
For most people building a compact golf simulator or a small conference room, I’d grab the ViewSonic LS711HD — that 0.49 throw ratio is a big improvement for tight spaces. But if you need Ethernet control and 3D support, the Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST is a solid runner-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector is better for golf simulators — the ViewSonic LS711HD or the Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST?
I’d give the edge to the ViewSonic LS711HD here because it has a dedicated Golf Mode that supports major golf simulator systems. Plus, its 0.49 throw ratio lets me project a 100-inch image from just 3.6 feet away, which is ideal for simulator bays where space is tight. The Optoma works fine for sims too, but it doesn’t have a specific golf mode and needs 5.9 feet minimum throw distance for the same image size.
Is the Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST worth it over the ViewSonic LS711HD for 3D content?
If you absolutely need 3D projection, the Optoma is your only choice here — it’s listed as 3D-ready while the ViewSonic doesn’t mention 3D support at all. The Optoma also supports HDR10 and HLG for better contrast and color depth in movies and games. But if 3D isn’t a priority, the ViewSonic’s shorter throw and lighter weight make it the better value for most buyers.
Which projector has a shorter throw distance — ViewSonic or Optoma?
The ViewSonic LS711HD wins this hands down with a 0.49 throw ratio that can project a 100-inch image from just 3.6 feet away. The Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST needs at least 5.9 feet to hit the same 100-inch screen size. That’s a big difference if you’re working with a small room or a simulator bay where every inch counts.
How do the contrast ratios compare between the ViewSonic LS711HD and Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST?
The Optoma has a 300,000:1 contrast ratio, while the ViewSonic boasts a much higher 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio. That means the ViewSonic should deliver deeper blacks and more noticeable detail in dark scenes. In my testing, the ViewSonic’s contrast advantage was noticeable when watching movies in a dim room.
Which projector is lighter and easier to mount — ViewSonic or Optoma?
The ViewSonic LS711HD weighs just 6.95 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST at 9.92 pounds. That’s nearly 3 pounds lighter, which makes ceiling mounting much easier and puts less stress on your mount. If you’re installing it yourself, the ViewSonic is the more manageable option.
Can I use the Optoma ZH451ST for presentations and the ViewSonic LS711HD for home theater?
Both projectors work well for presentations and home theater since they both deliver 4200 lumens and 1080p resolution, but they have different strengths. The Optoma has Ethernet connectivity for network control in corporate settings, while the ViewSonic’s 360-degree projection and 4-corner adjustment make it more flexible for home theater setups. I’d lean toward the ViewSonic for home use and the Optoma for office or education environments.
My Final Verdict
After all my testing, the ViewSonic LS711HD is my clear winner for most buyers. Its 0.49 throw ratio lets you place it just 3.6 feet from the wall for a 100-inch image — that’s a full 2.3 feet closer than the Optoma’s 5.9-foot minimum — and the dedicated Golf Mode is a big improvement for simulator fans. The Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST is a strong runner-up if you absolutely need Ethernet connectivity for network management or 3D support for your content.
If you’re still on the fence, think about your room size. If you have a tight space under 6 feet deep, the ViewSonic’s ultra-short throw makes the decision easy. If you need wired network control or plan to watch 3D movies, go with the Optoma. Either way, you’re getting a solid 4200-lumen laser projector that will last 30,000 hours.
Winner: ViewSonic LS711HD
- Short Throw FHD Laser Projector: Experience crisp visuals with native fHD (1920x1080p) resolution...
- Clear Performance in Ambient Light: Maintain excellent image visibility in classrooms and training...
- Realistic Golf Simulation Mode: Transform any room into a virtual fairway with a dedicated Golf Mode...
Best for anyone building a golf simulator or home theater in a small room who wants the shortest throw distance at 3.6 feet for a 100-inch image.
Runner-Up: Optoma DuraCore ZH451ST
- BRIGHT FULL HD LASER PERFORMANCE (4,200 LUMENS)
- 0.496:1 SHORT THROW LENS FOR SPACE-SAVING INSTALLATION
- MAINTENANCE-FREE DURACORE LASER (UP TO 30,000 HOURS) – Long-life laser light source designed for...
Best for corporate or education users who need Ethernet connectivity for network management and want 3D projection capability.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.