The Quick Verdict
Get the BenQ AH700ST 1080P Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector (Ace). It lists at $2,299, which is $400 under the Optoma at list. Its zoom lens gives you a range of mounting distances instead of a single one, and BenQ states a 1:1 mode for square impact screens. The Optoma ZK431ST-B makes sense at its $2,699 MSRP in two cases. The first is when input lag is the spec you care about most, since Optoma lists 16.7 ms to the BenQ's 33.4 ms. The second is when the projector has to sit closer to the screen than the BenQ's figures allow. Check price at The Indoor Golf Shop →
What They Have in Common
Both are short-throw laser projectors with a 16:9 native shape. Neither has lens shift, and both state a 4:3 mode. They're 0.98 lbs apart in weight, with the Optoma ZK431ST-B the lighter one. Neither lists a golf-specific mount or screen pairing. The decision comes down to throw, screen shape, lag and $400.
Where They Differ
Throw distance and image size
Image width = throw distance ÷ throw ratio. The BenQ has a zoom lens with a 0.69–0.83:1 throw ratio. From 10 ft back it puts up an image 12.0 ft to 14.5 ft wide. For a 10 ft wide image, it sits 6.9 ft–8.3 ft from the screen.
The Optoma has a fixed 0.496:1 lens. From 10 ft back it throws an image 20.2 ft wide. For a 10 ft wide image, it sits 5.0 ft from the screen.
So the Optoma gives the wider image from the same distance, and it needs less distance for a given width. In practice, a 0.496 ratio means the projector hangs noticeably closer to the screen than the BenQ does for the same image. The BenQ's zoom gives you a band to work within, so you're not locked to one exact spot. The Optoma's fixed lens means one distance for one width.
Measure the distance from where the lens will hang to the screen surface, then check it against those figures.
Screen shapes
BenQ states 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 and 1:1 modes. Optoma states 4:3, 16:9 and 16:10. That means 1:1 isn't among the Optoma's stated modes. That isn't the same as saying it can't fill a square screen. Optoma just doesn't list it. For a 4:3 screen, both makers state the mode. For a square screen, only the BenQ has it on paper.
Lag, brightness and golf mode
At 1080p 60Hz, the Optoma lists 16.7 ms of input lag and the BenQ lists 33.4 ms. That's a 16.7 ms gap in the Optoma's favor.
On brightness, BenQ lists 4,000 lumens but doesn't say what standard it measured to. Optoma lists 4,100 lumens to ISO 21118. Those figures don't measure the same thing, so I'm not ranking them.
BenQ names a golf picture mode on this model. Optoma doesn't say either way.
Resolution, lens and the rest
The BenQ is 1920x1080. The Optoma lists 3840x2160, though Optoma doesn't say how that resolution is produced.
For keystone, the BenQ lists 2D correction of ±30 degrees both vertically and horizontally. The Optoma lists ±15° each way. Optoma also lists a 114% offset for its fixed lens.
On light source life, BenQ rates its laser at 20,000 hours. Optoma doesn't publish a figure.
BenQ's warranty reads "3 years parts and labor from purchase date (original retail purchaser), US." Optoma doesn't publish a warranty term for this model.
Sizes and release years:
- BenQ: 7.28 lbs at 11.95 x 4.43 x 9.23 in, released in 2024.
- Optoma: 6.3 lbs at 10.8 W x 4.3 H x 8.5 D, released in 2026.
Who Should Buy Which
Get the BenQ AH700ST 1080P Short Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector (Ace) if:
- Your impact screen is square. BenQ states a 1:1 mode, and Optoma doesn't list one.
- You want some slack in where the projector hangs. The 0.69–0.83:1 zoom covers 6.9 ft–8.3 ft for a 10 ft wide image.
- You'd rather keep $400 at list.
- You want the wider keystone range on paper, at ±30 degrees versus ±15°.
- You want a named golf picture mode and a published warranty term.
Get the Optoma ZK431ST-B if:
- Input lag is the deciding number. It lists 16.7 ms versus 33.4 ms.
- The projector has to sit closer to the screen. It needs 5.0 ft for a 10 ft wide image.
- You want the 3840x2160 resolution listing.
- Your screen is 4:3 or 16:9, both of which Optoma states.
- You want the lighter unit, at 6.3 lbs.
The Bottom Line
The Optoma's lag figure and its shorter throw are real, published advantages. If I had to bet, though, most sim builders will get more out of the BenQ's zoom range, its stated 1:1 mode and the $400 lower list price. Its 33.4 ms lag is the trade, and that's a published figure you can weigh for yourself.
Before buying, measure from the lens position to the screen and compare that against 6.9 ft–8.3 ft. If your space only allows something nearer 5.0 ft, the Optoma's fixed throw is what that distance calls for.