I'm lost trying to find a business projector, as everything I have looked for in the past has been for a home theater.

I need a short throw project, something in the range of .5 - .75 zoom ratio (preferably not fixed).

2,500 - 3,000 lumens

16:9 would be preferable, but I can go with 4:3, depending on the throw and price.

Finally, the kicker, looking for something sub $1500

Any suggestions for something that fits this?

I don't think there's a model out there that matches your creiteria.

The Epson 410W is short throw, 16x9, 2000 lumens, no zoom, MSRP $1,299. Depending on what's most important to you, this may be the best fit. Epson is known for under-stating their lumen output.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_410W.htm

The Benq SP830 is 4x3, 3500 lumens, and the Street price is around your budget, but, it's not short throw. You'd need to use a mirror or wide angle adapter ( something like the Navitar .65x would be ideal, but expensive, .. I've had good luck with this Sony ... http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=715038452&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-VCLHG0758.../dp/B000063XWC (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSony-VCLHG0758-Performance-Conversion-diameter%2Fdp%2FB000063XWC&tag=5336055023-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325) but it's only a .8x wide adapter, which might not be short enough for your needs.)

There's also the Optoma 1691 that you could use with the wide angle adapter lens I mentioned.

Personally, I'd go with the Epson if you can live with slightly over 2000 lumens.

Jonathan

I'm lost trying to find a business projector, as everything I have looked for in the past has been for a home theater.

I need a short throw project, something in the range of .5 - .75 zoom ratio (preferably not fixed).

2,500 - 3,000 lumens

16:9 would be preferable, but I can go with 4:3, depending on the throw and price.

Finally, the kicker, looking for something sub $1500

Any suggestions for something that fits this?

Definitely look into the BenQ MP771, it seems to fit what you need quite well as well! I have it myself, and use it all the time, it's great especially since I don't have the extra space in my TV room for a long throw, so it works perfectly! MP771 also seems to match all your criteria and also in the budget range!

The general specs are at the below link, I hope you will find this useful:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-MP771.htm