Is it worth it to buy an $1200 lens for a camera?

I have had the nikon d5100 for a while, but haven't used it much. I bought some cheap lens that was a little more than $400. I think the pictures look good, but if I buy an expensive Zeiss lens then will it take much better pictures?

Added (1). I don't know about photography. My dad bought me the camera.

Added (2). The lens I have was recommended by some man that sells cameras, so I think it may be for beginners.

Hell no! You can buy a car with that

It will be capable of taking better pictures, but you won't really notice the difference. The lens you have now is plenty good.

You'll take better pictures but if there's nothing wrong with the one at the moment, it is a huge waste of money.

Not unless the lens your trying to buy is made of gold/Diamond

Read the reviews

Check images shot by the lens
Chat with people have the lens etc…

It is nice to own a over $1000 lens but the question is DO YOU NEED IT. Now don't get me wrong we all want better stuff. But a $400 lens can in many situations offer the same results as a $1200.

Take the Tamron SP 28-75mm at $400 its cheap compared to other lenses. The glass is good. The only thing that well makes it cheap is that build quality is something you have to check before you buy [front or backfocussing] and. No weatherproofing. So it lacks a few small things that Pro's really want.

But for many people a Tammy 28-75mm is more then enough. Sure a more expensive choice lens with weathersealing would be nice. But is that worth 3x the Price. For some it is for some it isn't.

So Much better images.no. Not much better. Again you might get a 10% better image quality of it. Yeah. 10% I said it. You pay allot for that 10%.

So it really depends on if you need it and if that money isn't better suited buying lets say another $400-500 lens that does something else you like. Maybe a nice Macro Lens. Or a Prime Lens.

If you are serious enough of a photogapher, then a $1, 200 lens can be an asset.

But your mention of a Zeiss lens suggests to me that you are more "brand" envy than wanting a better lens.

Zeiss lenses for Nikon are only manual focus, prime lenses such as the 50mm, 85mm, etc. For most people they would not find value in those lenses as their skill level won't match the lens.

So if you are wanting to buy Zeiss lenses, I would recommend saving your money.

But if you wanted a lens like a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8, for around $1, 200 (or perhaps a bit less), then that might be a great advantage, and I would recommend buying that lens if you want to get into fast-action sports photography, as your kit lens won't cut it when it comes to sports photography.

If you want to spend $1, 200, buy a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8.