I just tried a zoom from the compatible list. A sigma 18-50 2.8 on the E-mount.

Works well and very compact but every time you change focal length you have to auto-calibrate so the lidar knows where the lens is.

Can anyone confirm this is regular behaviour?

You can't even run it in manual as the fly by wire focus dial doesn't know where the manual focal length is on the zoom.

Only option is to just turn the focus barrel manual for speed.

the FE2 [and indeed all nikon slr's] view at wide open aperture, so it doesn't matter what aperture you set, it closes down when you make the exposure. The trick is, you need to look at that screen with your eye lined up correctly. It's like a microscope. I am assuming you don't have a weird screen in there, there are several, or even the wrong screen... anyway, the split image should line up when you are in focus... get a copy of the FE user manual and there is a picture in there about how it's Nox Vidmate VLC supposed to work..