One problem with doing handheld closeups with the lens wide open using auto-focus is that the slightest movement causes the focus to change.  Since the depth of field is already super-shallow, confusing the auto-focus often results in soft focus. Tonight I got smart and set the lens to manual focus which worked pretty well.  Even though most of the subjects are soft or blurred due to the shallow depth-of-field, the areas I focused on are sharp. The roses in the bouquets I got last week are drying nicely, and the edges of an orchid made a nice shape.