With the macro lens set at 2.8, you won't have a lot in focus, and without being able to adjust the lens to the body with AFMA found in more expensive models, you will be lucky to get the part you want sharp. A tripod and manual focus with the live view screen is pretty common. If you need to shoot at a wide open aperture, you can stack photos together in Photoshop where you shifted the focus a little with each shot. The program takes the sharpest part of each photo and merges it into a single picture. There should be a thread or two with shots and descriptions. Sorry you had so much trouble the first time out. Don't give up on the lens though. It's a great tools.