I love this lens and I keep the ISO at 400 plus to ensure a good shutter speed
As was said before f8 is a good place to start to get a bit of DOF
This lens can be used handheld but is best on a tripod and gimbal
I have the Manfrotto 055MFV and Manfrotto 393 head
All I would say is practice, practice, practice... I am and I am already seeing some good images from the lens... (only had the lens 3 weeks)
The 1.4 works very well with this lens
