HellBorn, I think that the postprocessing procedure you used at first (blur added in After Effects using z-mpa) is the best solution to the blur on dept of field; indeed: * you avoid the software need to calculate the blur, getting a much faster rending * you have -at least i guess- more control on the amount of blur, and you can try and use different settings almost "at flight". I guess if there is somewhere some tutorial or resource with some good tips on how to use at the best z-map in video compositing packages like After Effects. Even though I know the general "workflow" of this tecnique, some good tips and tricks can help for sure...