It seems as if the autofocus e-mount lenses may not autofocus all that well compared to non removable lenses on Sony cams like the EX1, etc. Not sure what's up with that.

I hear the A-mount lenses with the LE-A2 adapter have superior autofocus due to the phase detection that such a kit offers.

Does anyone make an autofocus zoom lens whose barrel does not extend forward which makes rail mounted matte boxes a problem?

For very low light shots with just a lamp or two, or outside with just some mood lighting such as tiki lamps or candlelights, I am open to suggestions for an autofocus lens. I am less concerned about image stabilization.

I am thinking of going with the Sony 35mm 1.5F SAL-35F146. I am thinking such a lens will have good wide angle as I really like the degree of view of wide angle converters give on standard fixed lens zooms on previous Sony videocams. What lens would you recommend for the above style shooting?

Then what versatile zoom lens would you recommend for either ambient light indoors that needs to be very wide angle, and outside during the day that can do wide angle or zoom a bit, although a 200mm zoom is not needed. I usually shoot with a wide angle converter, but sometimes still zoom through it, but not often, and if needed I unscrew it and zoom.

Sony has there 28-75- 2.8 SAL-20F28 which is about $900, or Sony Zeiss has their 24-70 2.8 for double that.

I am not stuck with Sony lenses, so if others have offerings, preferably in A-mount, I am ok with that.

Suggestions?

Autofocus will struggle with very wide fields of view and also in low light. My recommendation would be to use a manual focus lens.

Zoom lenses for DSLR's that don't telescope are few and far between, I don't know of any with autofocus that have A or E mounts.

I don't trust my middle aged eyes, and I can't pull focus in dynamic environments. :(