1.circle of confusion is f/8 or higher for fuzzyness.
2.try to get hyperfocus distance on near and far objects.
3.ND filter is def better.
4. wide angle lenses shot far away have the same depth of field as telephoto lenses which is also why your stuff could be fuzzy.
you should read about how depth of field works. It's extremely complicated and if you don't know what you're doing, you won't get what you want from your camera.
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/hyperfocal-distance.htm
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/wide-angle-lenses.htm
