Nope, I probably would not see which shot has been taken with what sort of lens, or even what type of camera. I would see a difference in quality between shots but such depends on many factors but good lenses make it easier to get good shots. But again, I can't tell you what was used to get that photo. But that's not the problem.
The problem is that I see how my lenses perform and it's pretty hard to ignore those differences when I'm constantly subjected to them.
But for others, they have to decide what they want and how much they are willing to pay. But the one lens is not the other and people have to decide what they want, or what performance they expect. Some sharp lenses are not even the most expensive. Others are.
Fair enough. I skimmed this post and your profile, but I can't fine what type of zoom you have. What zoom do you shoot?