Front element damage

[AntZ]

An interesting little article on front element damage with some sample shots.
http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.10.30/front-element-scratches

[TedKaiser]

NO WAY!! That is amazing. I don't think I'll ever worry about tiny dust specks on the front element ever again...

[JAS_Photo]

I guess it the same principal as when you shoot through a chain link fence, and can make disappear by defocusing it at close range.

[Iguanasan]

I had no idea. Fascinating.