[dugarner]

Let's see, I opened the RAW file and I can see it there, too.

I realized after I used the texture that it looked a little more blended, it's not as disconcerting as it is on the original.

I have seen this type of thing, though not as noticeable, on other narrow DOF shots with this lens. It's a cheap lens, not a great one, and it starts having all kinds of trouble around 160mm, this was taken at 230mm, so I was really pushing the envelope of its performance.

It could very well be something in the background, but the funny thing is, he was about 15 feet from the closest tree or plant. The green behind him is from the foliage across two sidewalks.

I dunno---I'll have to experiment with some other pictures. This is the highest-contrast shot I've taken at this focal length. I've only recently been able to get this lens to focus at all.

Thanks for the brainstorming!