RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-195089 which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a zoom lens, an optical apparatus and a method of manufacturing the zoom lens.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

For optical apparatuses, including video cameras and electronic still cameras, high image quality and smaller sizes are always demanded. Therefore both higher image quality and smaller sizes are also demanded for zoom lenses used for image capturing lenses. As one of the zoom lenses to meet such demands, a zoom lens comprised of three lens groups, that is, in order from an object, a negative lens group, a positive lens group and a positive lens group, has been disclosed (e.g. see Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2009-282466(A)).

Recently ultra-high image quality is expected for cameras, and the use of larger picture elements with higher resolution is being attempted. Zoom lenses as well are expected to have higher optical performance than ever before so as to support such picture elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact and ultra-high image quality zoom lens and optical apparatus, which can support picture elements having a larger size and higher resolution compared with prior art, and a method of manufacturing the zoom lens.

To achieve this object, a zoom lens of the present invention comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group having negative refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power, and a third lens group having positive refractive power, and the second lens group further comprises, in order from the object, a positive lens component, a cemented lens having positive refractive power, a cemented lens having negative refractive power, and a single lens.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that image blur is corrected by shifting the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the following conditional expression is satisfied:

3.00<Dt23/Dt3i<30.00

where Dt23 denotes a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group in a telephoto end state, and Dt3i denotes a distance from the third lens group to the image plane in the telephoto end state, when converted to air.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the following conditional expression is satisfied:

0.10<f2/f3<0.50

where f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group and f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens group.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the following conditional expression is satisfied:

0.30<f2F/f2M<1.00

where f2F denotes a focal length of the positive lens component constituting the second lens group, and f2M denotes a focal length of the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the third lens group is constituted only by a single lens.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the first lens group and the second lens group move so that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group decreases, and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group increases, and the third lens group is fixed during zooming.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the first lens group is constituted by three lenses, which are, in order from the object, a first negative lens, a second negative lens and a positive lens.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that at least one of the first negative lens and the second negative lens constituting the first lens group has an aspherical surface.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the second lens group has a positive lens, and at least one of the positive lenses constituting the second lens group has an aspherical surface.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that an aperture stop which determines brightness is disposed between the first lens group and the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group.

In this zoom lens, it is preferable that a diaphragm for cutting unnecessary external light is disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group, and moves upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state.

An optical apparatus according to the present invention includes a zoom lens a first aspect of invention.

A method of manufacturing a zoom lens according to the present invention is constructed to manufacture the above mentioned zoom lens.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that image blur is corrected by shifting the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that the following conditional expression is satisfied:

3.00<Dt23/Dt3i<30.00

where Dt23 denotes a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group in a telephoto end state, and Dt3i denotes a distance from the third lens group to the image plane in the telephoto end state, converted to air.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that the following conditional expression is satisfied:

0.10<f2/f3<0.50

where f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group and f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens group.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that the following conditional expression is satisfied:

0.30<f2F/f2M<1.00

where f2F denotes a focal length of the positive lens component constituting the second lens group, and f2M denotes a focal length of the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that the third lens group is constituted only by a single lens.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the first lens group and the second lens group move so that the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group decreases, and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group increases, and the third lens group is fixed during zooming.

In this method of manufacturing the zoom lens, it is preferable that the first lens group is constituted by three lenses, which are, in order from the object, a first negative lens, a second negative lens and a positive lens.

According to the present invention, a compact and ultra-high image quality zoom lens and optical apparatus, which can support picture elements having larger sizes and higher resolutions compared with prior art, and a method of manufacturing the zoom lens, can be provided.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a configuration and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) of a zoom lens according to Example 1;

FIG. 2 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 1, where FIG. 2A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 2B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 2C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state;

FIG. 3 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 1 after image blur correction, where FIG. 3A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur correction, FIG. 3B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur correction, and FIG. 3C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur correction;

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a configuration and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) of a zoom lens according to Example 2;

FIG. 5 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 2, where FIG. 5A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 5B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 5C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state;

FIG. 6 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 2 after image blur correction, where FIG. 6A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur correction, FIG. 6B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur correction, and FIG. 6C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur correction;

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a configuration and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) of a zoom lens according to Example 3;

FIG. 8 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 3, where FIG. 8A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 8B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 8C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state;

FIG. 9 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 3 after image blur correction, where FIG. 9A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur correction, FIG. 9B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur correction, and FIG. 9C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur correction;

FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a configuration and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) of a zoom lens according to Example 4;

FIG. 11 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 4, where FIG. 11A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 11B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 11C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state;

FIG. 12 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens according to Example 4 after image blur correction, where FIG. 12A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur correction, FIG. 12B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur correction, and FIG. 12C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur correction;

FIG. 13 is an external view of a digital camera according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 13A is a front view of the digital still camera, and FIG. 13B is a rear view of the digital still camera; and

FIG. 14 is a flow chart depicting a method of manufacturing the zoom lens according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As FIG. 1 shows, a zoom lens according to this embodiment is a zoom lens comprising, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, wherein the second lens group G2 has, in order from the object, a positive lens component, a cemented lens having positive refractive power, a cemented lens having negative refractive power, and a single lens. The â€œlens componentâ€ can be either a single lens or a cemented lens. The â€œsingle lensâ€ can be either a positive lens or a negative lens.

By this configuration, the apparatus can be downsized, preventing the lens diameter from becoming too large in the wide-angle end state, and fluctuation of astigmatism due to zooming can be corrected well. Since at least two cemented lenses are disposed in the second lens group G2, fluctuation of lateral chromatic aberration during zooming can be corrected well. Furthermore, coma aberration can be corrected well because the single lens is disposed to the image side of the second lens group G2.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable to correct image blur by shifting the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group G2 roughly vertically to the optical axis. Because of the configuration, the amount of moving the image plane upon shifting the cemented lens is large, so the required amount of shifting the cemented lens upon correcting image blur can be decreased, and fluctuation of coma aberration and fluctuation of astigmatism upon shifting the cemented lens for correcting image blur can be decreased. Since the amount of shifting the cemented lens is small and the cemented lens is much lighter and smaller compared with the method of shifting the entire lens group, the drive mechanism for shifting this cemented lens can be smaller, and therefore the size of the entire apparatus can be decreased.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (1) is satisfied, where Dt 23 denotes a distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 in the telephoto end state, and Dt3i denotes a distance between the third lens group G3 and the image plane (converted to air) in the telephoto end state. â€œDt23 denotes a distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 in the telephoto end stateâ€ means a distance from the lens surface closest to the image constituting the second lens group G2 to the lens surface closest to the object constituting the third lens group G3 in the telephoto end state. â€œDt3i denotes a distance between the third lens group G3 and the image plane (converted to air) in the telephoto end stateâ€ means a distance from the lens surface closest to the image constituting the third lens group G3 to the image plane in the telephoto end state.

3.00<Dt23/Dt3i<30.00â€ƒâ€ƒ(1)

The conditional expression (1) specifies an appropriate ratio of the air distance of the third lens group G3 to the object side, and the air distance thereof to the image side. If the upper limit value of the conditional expression (1) is exceeded, it becomes difficult to correct astigmatism well, which is not desirable. If the lower limit value of the conditional expression (1) is not reached, it becomes difficult to correct coma aberration well, which is not desirable.

To ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit value of the conditional expression (1) is 20.00. To further ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit value of the conditional expression (1) is 10.00.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (2) is satisfied, where f2 denotes a focal length of the second lens group G2, and f3 denotes a focal length of the third lens group G3.

0.10<f2/f3<0.50â€ƒâ€ƒ(2)

The conditional expression (2) specifies an appropriate ratio of the focal length of the second lens group G2 and the focal length of the third lens group G3. If the upper limit value of the conditional expression (2) is exceeded, the total length of the optical system becomes long, which is not desirable. It also becomes difficult to correct coma aberration well, which is not desirable. If the lower limit value of the conditional expression (2) is not reached, it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration well, which is not desirable.

To ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit value of the conditional expression (2) is 0.45. To further ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the upper limit value of the conditional expression (2) is 0.40.

To ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit value of the conditional expression (2) is 0.15. To further ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit value of the conditional expression (2) is 0.20.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (3) is satisfied, where f2F denotes a focal length of the positive lens component constituting the second lens group G2, and f2M denotes a focal length of the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group G2.

0.30<f2F/f2M<1.00â€ƒâ€ƒ(3)

The conditional expression (3) specifies an appropriate ratio of the focal length of the positive lens component constituting the second lens group G2, and the focal length of the cemented lens having positive refractive power (disposed to the image side of the positive lens component) constituting the second lens group G2. If the upper limit value of the conditional expression (3) is exceeded, it becomes difficult to correct fluctuation of spherical aberration due to zooming, which is not desirable. If the lower limit value of the conditional expression (3) is not reached, it becomes difficult to correct fluctuation of coma aberration due to zooming, which is not desirable.

To ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit value of the conditional expression (3) is 0.40. To further ensure the effect of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the lower limit value of the conditional expression (3) is 0.50.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the third lens group G3 is constituted only by a single lens. By constituting the third lens group G3 only by a single lens like this, assembly adjustment becomes extremely easy, which is effective for decreasing cost. Furthermore, the space required for housing the lenses decreases, so the size of the apparatus when carrying can be decreased. Using the single lens also enables correcting longitudinal chromatic aberration well.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 move upon zooming from the wide-angle end stat to the telephoto end state so that the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 decreases, and the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 increases, and the third lens group G3 is fixed. By this configuration, each lens group position during zooming can be controlled by one cam drum, and the position of the image plane during zooming can be accurately controlled as a result. Fixing the third lens group G3 during zooming can decrease deterioration of astigmatism due to positional shift of the third lens group G3.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first lens group G1 is constituted by three lenses, which are, in order from the object, a first negative lens, a second negative lens and a positive lens. By this configuration, lateral chromatic aberration generated in the wide-angle end state can be corrected well.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that at least one of the first negative lens and the second negative lens constituting the first lens group G1 has an aspherical surface. By this configuration, distortion generated in the wide-angle end state can be corrected well.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the second lens group G2 has positive lenses, and at least one of the positive lenses constituting the second lens group G2 has an aspherical surface. By this configuration, coma aberration can be corrected well.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that an aperture stop S2 for determining brightness is disposed between the first lens group G1 and the cemented lens having positive refractive power constituting the second lens group G2. By this configuration, fluctuation of spherical aberration during zooming can be corrected well.

In the zoom lens according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that a diaphragm for cutting unnecessary external light is disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and moves upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state. Since unnecessary external light in the wide-angle end state can be effectively cut by this configuration, coma aberration in the wide-angle end state can be corrected well.

FIG. 13 shows a digital still camera CAM (optical apparatus) having the zoom lens as an image capturing lens ZL. If a power button, which is not illustrated, is pressed on this digital still camera CAM, a shutter, which is not illustrated, of the image capturing lens ZL is released and lights from an object are collected by the image-capturing lens ZL and form an image on a picture element (e.g. CCD, CMOS), which is disposed on the image plane I (see FIG. 1). The object image formed on the picture element is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor M disposed behind the digital still camera CAM. The user determines the composition of the object image while viewing the liquid crystal monitor 2, then presses a release button B1 to capture the object image by the picture element, and stores it in memory, which is not illustrated.

The camera CAM has an auxiliary light emitting unit D, which emits auxilliary light when the object is dark, a wide (W)â€”telephoto (T) button B2 for zooming the image capturing lens ZL from the wide-angle end state (W) to the telephoto end state (T), and a function button B3, which is used for setting various conditions for the digital still camera CAM.

Now a method of manufacturing the zoom lens having the above mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 14. First the first to third lens groups (e.g. first to third lens groups G1 to G3 in FIG. 1) are assembled in a lens barrel (step S1). In this assembling step, each lens is disposed so that the first lens group has negative refractive power, the second lens group has positive refractive power and the third lens group has positive refractive power. At this time, for the second lens group, a positive lens component, a cemented lens having positive refractive power, a cemented lens having negative refractive power and a single lens (L21 to L26 in FIG. 1) are disposed in order from the object (step S2). When each lens is assembled in the lens barrel, each lens may be assembled in the lens barrel one at a time in order along the optical axis, or a part or all of the lenses may be integratedly held on a holding member, and then assembled in the lens barrel. After assembling each lens group in the lens barrel like this, it is checked whether the object image is formed in a state where each lens group is assembled in the lens barrel, that is, whether the center of each lens is aligned, and then various operations of the zoom lens are checked. Examples of the various operations are a zoom operation in which lens groups which perform zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state (e.g. first lens group G1, diaphragms S1, S2, and second lens group G2 in this embodiment) move along the optical axis, a focusing operation in which a lens group which performs focusing from an object at a long distance to an object at a short distance (e.g. third lens group G3 in this embodiment) moves along the optical axis, and a hand motion blur correction operation in which at least a part of the lenses (e.g. at least a part of the second lens group G2 in this embodiment) move so as to have components orthogonal to the optical axis. The sequence of checking the various operations is arbitrary. According to this manufacturing method, a compact and ultra-high image quality zoom lens, which can support picture elements having larger sizes and higher resolutions compared with prior art, can be obtained.

EXAMPLES

Each example of the present embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. Table 1 to Table 4 are tables listing each data according to Example 1 to Example 4.

In [Lens Data] in the table, the surface number is a sequence of the lens surface counted from the object side along the light traveling direction, r is a radius of curvature of each lens surface, d is a distance between surfaces, which is a distance from each optical plane to the next optical plane (or an image plane) on the optical axis, nd is a refractive index at d-line (wavelength: 587.6 nm), and vd is an Abbe number at d-line. â€œâˆžâ€ in the radius of curvature indicates a plane or an aperture. The refractive index of air 1.000000 is omitted.

In [Aspherical Data], the form of an aspherical surface shown in [Lens Data] is given by Expression (a). X(y) is a distance from the tangential plane at a vertex of the aspherical surface to the position on the aspherical surface at height y along the optical axis, r is a radius of curvature (paraxial radius of curvature) of a reference spherical surface, K is a conical coefficient, and Ai is an aspherical coefficient in degree i. â€œE-nâ€ indicates â€œÃ—10^âˆ’nâ€ . For example, 1.234E-05=1.234Ã—10^âˆ’5.

X(y)=y²/[rÃ—{1+(1âˆ’KÃ—y²/r²)^1/2}] +AAÃ—y⁴+A6Ã—y⁶+A8Ã—y⁸+A10Ã—y¹⁰â€ƒâ€ƒ(a)

In [General Data] in the table, f is a focal length, FNo is an F number, w is a half angle of view, Y is an image height, TL is a total lens length, Bf is a distance from an image side surface of the optical member disposed closest to the image to a paraxial image plane, and Bf (converted to air) is a distance converted to air from the last lens surface to the paraxial image plane.

In [Zooming Data] in the table, Di (i is an integer) in each state of the wide-angle end state, intermediate focal length state and telephoto end state is a variable distance between the i-th surface and the (i+1)th surface.

In [Zoom Lens Group Data] in each table, G is a group number, â€œFirst surface of groupâ€ is a surface number of a surface closest to the object in each group, â€œFocal length of groupâ€ is a focal length of each group, and â€œTotal lens lengthâ€ is a distance from the lens surface closest to the object to the lens surface closest to the image in each group on the optical axis.

In [Conditional Expression] in the table, values corresponding to the conditional expression (1) to (3) are shown.

In all the data values, â€œmmâ€ is normally used for the unit of focal length f, radius of curvature r, surface distance d and other lengths unless otherwise specified, but the unit is not limited to â€œmmâ€ , since an equivalent optical performance is obtained even if an optical system is proportionally expanded or proportionally reduced. For the unit, another appropriate unit may be used without being limited to â€œmmâ€ .

The description on the tables thus far is common for all examples, and is omitted herein below.

Example 1

Example 1 will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and Table 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a configuration of a zoom lens ZL (ZL1) according to Example 1, and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) thereof. As FIG. 1 shows, the zoom lens ZL1 according to Example 1 has, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power.

Upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 move respectively so that the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 decreases, the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 increases, and the third lens group G3 is fixed.

The first lens group G1 is comprised of, in order from the object: a negative meniscus lens L11 having a convex surface facing the object; a biconcave negative lens L12; and a biconvex positive lens L13.

A diaphragm S1 for cutting unnecessary external light is disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and moves toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state and the telephoto end state.

The second lens group G2 is comprised of, in order from the object: a biconvex positive lens L21; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L22 and a negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L24 and a biconcave negative lens L25; and a biconvex positive lens L26.

In this example, image blur is corrected by shifting, roughly vertically to the optical axis, the cemented lens of the biconvex positive lens L22 and the negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image, which is disposed closest to the object among the cemented lenses constituting the second lens group G2.

An aperture stop S2 for adjusting quantity of light is disposed to the object side of the second lens group G2, and moves together with the second lens group G2, toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state.

The third lens group G3 is constituted only by a positive meniscus lens L31 having a convex surface facing the object.

Between the third lens group G3 and the image plane I, a glass block G, such as a low pass filter and an infrared cut-off filter, for cutting off spatial frequencies exceeding a critical resolution of a picture element (e.g. CCD, CMOS) disposed on the image plane I, and a sensor cover glass CV of a picture element, are disposed.

Table 1 shows each data value of Example 1. The surface numbers 1 to 24 in Table 1 correspond to the surfaces 1 to 24 in FIG. 1. In Example 1, the second surface, ninth surface and nineteenth surface are formed to be aspherical.

TABLE 1[Lens Data]surface numberrdndÎ½dobject surfaceâˆžâ€‚146.98611.50001.80610040.71â€‚2(aspherical surface)9.35727.0000â€‚3âˆ’80.94551.00001.69680255.46â€‚423.85230.7000â€‚521.79383.44001.90365831.31â€‚6âˆ’161.5959D6â€‚7(diaphragm)âˆžD7â€‚8(aperture stop)âˆž0.4000â€‚9(aspherical surface)14.75002.70001.59201467.0210âˆ’204.68553.00001132.45172.70001.75499852.3212âˆ’16.28911.00001.90365831.3113âˆ’48.74791.40001425.46942.70001.74949735.2815âˆ’9.94621.50001.90365831.311610.28561.200017167.07681.50001.75499852.3218âˆ’34.1278D1819(aspherical surface)29.75383.00001.59201467.022014343.13472.389621âˆž1.59001.51633064.1422âˆž1.000023âˆž0.70001.51633064.1424âˆžBfimage planeâˆž[Aspherical Data]second surfaceÎº = 0.4735, A4 = 7.82550Eâˆ’06, A6 = 1.30360Eâˆ’07,A2 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00ninth surfaceÎº = âˆ’0.2019, A4 = 8.79630Eâˆ’06, A6 = 6.51100Eâˆ’08,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00nineteenth surfaceÎº = 1.0000, A4 = 9.27390Eâˆ’07, A6 = 2.01790Eâˆ’07,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00[General Data]zoom ratio 2.8035wide-angleintermediatetelephotoendpositionendf9.0600017.6999925.39999FNo2.862513.930504.89374Ï‰44.6165925.4465218.29156Y8.350008.350008.35000TL73.9663265.2450467.95803Bf0.587840.587810.58766Bf(converted to air)5.487685.487655.48749[Zooming Data]variablewide-angleintermediatetelephotodistanceendpositionendD616.329160.599970.59997D79.373786.813921.00012D187.2501616.8179625.34491[Zoom Lens Group Data]groupFirst surfacefocal lengthtotal lensnumberof groupof grouplengthG11âˆ’20.5125413.6G2919.3882418.1G31950.359183.0[Conditional Expression]Conditional expression (1)Dt23/Dt3i = 4.62Conditional expression (2)f2/f3 = 0.38Conditional expression (3)f2F/f2M = 0.75

As the data table in Table 1 shows, the zoom lens ZL1 according to this example satisfies all the conditional expression (1) to (3).

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens ZL1 according to Example 1. FIG. 2A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 2B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 2C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state. FIG. 3A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), FIG. 3B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), and FIG. 3C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm).

In each graph showing aberrations, FNo denotes an F number, and Y denotes an image height. In the graph showing spherical Aberration, the solid line indicates the spherical aberration, and the broken line indicates the sine condition. In the graph showing astigmatisms, the solid line indicates the sagittal image surface, and the broken line indicates the meridional image surface. In the graph showing coma aberrations, the solid line indicates the meridional coma. The description on the graphs showing aberration is the same as the other examples, where this description is omitted.

In Example 1, as the respective graphs on aberrations show, various aberrations are corrected well in each focal length state from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, and excellent image forming performance is exhibited.

Example 2

Example 2 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 and Table 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a configuration of a zoom lens ZL (ZL2) according to Example 2, and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) thereof. As FIG. 4 shows, the zoom lens ZL2 according to Example 2 has, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power.

Upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 move respectively so that the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 decreases, the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 increases, and the third lens group G3 is fixed.

The first lens group G1 is comprised of, in order from the object: a negative meniscus lens L11 having a convex surface facing the object; a biconcave negative lens L12; and a biconvex positive lens L13.

A diaphragm S1 for cutting unnecessary external light is disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and moves toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state and the telephoto end state.

The second lens group G2 is comprised of, in order from the object: a biconvex positive lens L21; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L22 and a negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L24 and a biconcave negative lens L25; and a biconvex positive lens L26.

In this example, image blur is corrected by shifting, roughly vertically to the optical axis, the cemented lens of the biconvex positive lens L22 and the negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image, which is disposed closest to the object among the cemented lenses constituting the second lens group G2.

An aperture stop S2 for adjusting quantity of light is disposed to the object side of the second lens group G2, and moves together with the second lens group G2, toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state.

The third lens group G3 is constituted only by a convex positive lens L31 having a convex surface facing the object.

Between the third lens group G3 and the image plane I, a glass block G, such as a low pass filter and an infrared cut-off filter, for cutting off spatial frequencies exceeding a critical resolution of a picture element (e.g. CCD, CMOS) disposed on the image plane I, and a sensor cover glass CV of a picture element, are disposed.

Table 2 shows each data value of Example 2. The surface numbers 1 to 24 in Table 2 correspond to the surfaces 1 to 24 in FIG. 4. In Example 2, the second surface, ninth surface and nineteenth surface are formed to be aspherical.

TABLE 2[Lens Data]surface numberrdndÎ½dobject surfaceâˆžâ€‚141.45691.50001.80610040.71â€‚2(aspherical surface)9.56937.9000â€‚3âˆ’68.07611.00001.69680055.60â€‚422.71610.5000â€‚521.14933.50001.90366031.31â€‚6âˆ’175.8961D6â€‚7(diaphragm)âˆžD7â€‚8(aperture stop)âˆž0.4000â€‚9(aspherical surface)16.31132.70001.59201067.0510âˆ’137.94823.40001131.83742.70001.69679755.5312âˆ’12.41391.00001.91082035.2513âˆ’31.34381.10001429.91242.70001.80099934.9715âˆ’18.05301.50001.90366031.311610.11071.30001765.74131.50001.75499952.3218âˆ’60.0983D1819(aspherical surface)33.62313.00001.59201067.0520âˆ’662.43183.200021âˆž1.59001.51633064.1422âˆž1.000023âˆž0.70001.51633064.1424âˆžBfimage planeâˆž[Aspherical Data]second surfaceÎº = 0.5865, A4 = âˆ’1.08400Eâˆ’05, A6 = 1.94320Eâˆ’07,A8 = âˆ’1.66650Eâˆ’09, A10 = 0.00000E+00ninth surfaceÎº = 0.3139, A4 = âˆ’2.14870Eâˆ’05, A6 = 5.24970Eâˆ’08,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00nineteenth surfaceÎº = 1.0000, A4 = 5.40930Eâˆ’07, A6 = 1.56190Eâˆ’07,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00[General Data]zoom ratio 2.8035wide-angleintermediatetelephotoendpositionendf9.0599917.6999825.39997FNo2.933914.005944.97119Ï‰44.6158125.4792018.31200Y8.350008.350008.35000TL77.7347668.8147371.73446Bf0.692940.692840.69265Bf(converted to air)7.210457.210327.21007[Zooming Data]variablewide-angleintermediatetelephotodistanceendpositionendD611.082020.600000.60000D716.200457.723821.69716D187.5693517.6080726.55466[Zoom Lens Group Data]groupfirst surfacefocal lengthtotal lensnumberof groupof grouplengthG11âˆ’20.5088814.4G2820.2198718.3G31954.138053.0[Conditional Expression]Conditional expression (1)Dt23/Dt3i = 4.15Conditional expression (2)f2/f3 = 0.37Conditional expression (3)f2F/f2M = 0.82

As the data table in Table 2 shows, the zoom lens ZL2 according to this example satisfies all the conditional expression (1) to (3).

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens ZL2 according to Example 2. FIG. 5A. are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 5B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 5C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state. FIG. 6A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), FIG. 6B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), and FIG. 6C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm).

In Example 2, as the respective graphs on aberrations show, various aberrations are corrected well in each focal length state from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, and excellent image forming performance is exhibited.

Example 3

Example 3 will now be described with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 and Table 3. FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a configuration of a zoom lens ZL (ZL3) according to Example 3, and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) thereof. As FIG. 7 shows, the zoom lens ZL3 according to Example 3 has, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power.

Upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 move respectively so that the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 decreases, the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 increases, and the third lens group G3 is fixed.

The first lens group G1 is comprised of, in order from the object: a negative meniscus lens L11 having a convex surface facing the object; a biconcave negative lens L12; and a biconvex positive lens L13.

A diaphragm S1 for cutting unnecessary external light is disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and moves toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state and the telephoto end state.

The second lens group G2 is comprised of, in order from the object: a biconvex positive lens L21; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L22 and a negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L24 and a biconcave negative lens L25; and a biconvex positive lens L26.

In this example, image blur is corrected by shifting, roughly vertically to the optical axis, the cemented lens of the biconvex positive lens L22 and the negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image, which is disposed closest to the object among the cemented lenses constituting the second lens group G2.

An aperture stop S2 for adjusting quantity of light is disposed to the object side of the second lens group G2, and moves together with the second lens group G2, toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state.

The third lens group G3 is constituted only by a positive meniscus lens L31 having a convex surface facing the object.

Between the third lens group G3 and the image plane I, a glass block G, such as a low pass filter and an infrared cut-off filter, for cutting off spatial frequencies exceeding a critical resolution of a picture element (e.g. CCD, CMOS) disposed on the Image plane I, and a sensor cover glass CV of a picture element, are disposed.

Table 3 shows each data value of Example 3. The surface numbers 1 to 24 in Table 3 correspond to the surfaces 1 to 24 in FIG. 7. In Example 3, the second surface, ninth surface and nineteenth surface are formed to be aspherical.

TABLE 3[Lens Data]surface numberrdndÎ½dobject surfaceâˆžâ€‚145.79551.30001.80610040.71â€‚2(aspherical surface)9.26297.00001.000000â€‚3âˆ’71.27770.80001.69680255.46â€‚425.12980.70001.000000â€‚522.29883.43931.90365831.31â€‚6âˆ’138.1850D61.000000â€‚7(diaphragm)âˆžD7â€‚8(aperture stop)âˆž0.4000â€‚9(aspherical surface)14.83322.50001.59201467.0210âˆ’190.00122.99991.0000001138.40282.50001.75499852.3212âˆ’14.60690.80001.90365831.3113âˆ’38.99251.88051.0000001423.50092.50001.74949735.2815âˆ’10.74901.30001.90365831.311610.12751.20001.00000017526.97101.40001.75499852.3218âˆ’32.8158D181.00000019(aspherical surface)28.79092.80001.59201467.0220809.19092.45661.00000021âˆž1.59001.51633064.1422âˆž1.000023âˆž0.70001.51633064.1424âˆžBfimage planeâˆž[Aspherical Data]second surfaceÎº = 0.4761, A4 = 7.95360Eâˆ’06, A6 = 1.50320Eâˆ’07,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00ninth surfaceÎº = âˆ’0.0857, A4 = âˆ’3.77960Eâˆ’06, A6 = 5.33810Eâˆ’08,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00nineteenth surfaceÎº = 1.0000, A4 = 1.69180Eâˆ’06, A6 = 2.03550Eâˆ’07,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00[General Data]zoom ratio 2.8035wide-angleintermediatetelephotoendpositionendf9.0600017.6999925.39999FNo2.862453.930734.89443Ï‰44.6179925.4464218.29113Y8.350008.350008.35000TL73.0420364.3207567.03375Bf0.587840.587810.58766Bf(converted to air)5.554625.554595.55444[Zooming Data]variablewide-angleintermediatetelephotodistanceendpositionendD616.329200.600010.60001D79.374066.814201.00040D187.4846917.0524925.57944[Zoom Lens Group Data]groupfirst surfacefocal lengthtotal lensnumberof groupof grouplengthG11âˆ’20.5125413.4G2819.3882417.5G31950.359182.8[Conditional Expression]Conditional expression (1)Dt23/Dt3i = 4.61Conditional expression (2)f2/f3 = 0.38Conditional expression (3)f2F/f2M = 0.75

As the data table in Table 3 shows, the zoom lens ZL3 according to this example satisfies all the conditional expression (1) to (3).

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens ZL3 according to Example 3. FIG. 8A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 8B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 8C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state. FIG. 9A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), FIG. 9B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), and FIG. 9C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm).

In Example 3, as the respective graphs on aberrations show, various aberrations are corrected well in each focal length state from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, and excellent image forming performance is exhibited.

Example 4

Example 4 will now be described with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 and Table 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a configuration of a zoom lens ZL (ZL4) according to Example 4, and a zoom locus from a wide-angle end state (W) to a telephoto end state (T) thereof. As FIG. 10 shows, the zoom lens ZL4 according to Example 4 has, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power.

Upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 move respectively so that the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 decreases, the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 increases, and the third lens group G3 is fixed.

The first lens group G1 is comprised of, in order from the object: a negative meniscus lens L11 having a convex surface facing the object; a biconcave negative lens L12; and a biconvex positive lens L13.

A diaphragm S1 for cutting unnecessary external light is disposed between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and moves toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state and the telephoto end state.

The second lens group G2 is comprised of, in order from the object: a biconvex positive lens L21; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L22 and a negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image; a cemented lens of a biconvex positive lens L24 and a biconcave negative lens L25; and a biconvex positive lens L26.

In this example, image blur is corrected by shifting, roughly vertically to the optical axis, the cemented lens of the biconvex positive lens L22 and the negative meniscus lens L23 having a convex surface facing the image, which is disposed closest to the object among the cemented lenses constituting the second lens group G2.

An aperture stop S2 for adjusting quantity of light is disposed to the object side of the second lens group G2, and moves together with the second lens group G2, toward the object upon zooming from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state.

The third lens group G3 is constituted only by a biconvex positive lens L31 having a convex surface facing the object.

Between the third lens group G3 and the image plane I, a glass block G, such as a low pass filter and an infrared cut-off filter, for cutting off spatial frequencies exceeding a critical resolution of a picture element (e.g. CCD, CMOS) disposed on the image plane I, and a sensor cover glass CV of a picture element, are disposed.

Table 4 shows each data value of Example 4. The surface numbers 1 to 24 in Table 4 correspond to the surfaces 1 to 24 in FIG. 10. In Example 4, the second surface, ninth surface and nineteenth surface are formed to be aspherical.

TABLE 4[Lens Data]surface numberrdndÎ½dobject surfaceâˆžâ€‚148.36171.50001.80610040.71â€‚2(aspherical surface)9.33587.50001.000000â€‚3âˆ’96.17060.70001.69680055.60â€‚422.84210.50001.000000â€‚520.78103.50001.90366031.31â€‚6âˆ’193.0971D61.000000â€‚7(diaphragm)âˆžD7â€‚8(aperture stop)âˆž0.4000â€‚9(aspherical surface)15.47352.50001.59201067.0510âˆ’137.94823.40001.0000001130.81962.70001.69679755.5312âˆ’13.93240.80001.91082035.2513âˆ’52.05581.20001.0000001423.83142.70001.80099934.9715âˆ’12.45181.30001.90366031.311610.36461.20001.000000171357.32671.30001.75499952.3218âˆ’29.7183D181.00000019(aspherical surface)34.32272.70001.59201067.0520âˆ’469.91623.20001.00000021âˆž1.59001.51633064.1422âˆž1.000023âˆž0.70001.51633064.1424âˆžBfimage planeâˆž[Aspherical Data]second surfaceÎº = 0.4626, A4 = 5.25220Eâˆ’06, A6 = 1.27460Eâˆ’07,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00ninth surfaceÎº = 0.4568, A4 = âˆ’1.07960Eâˆ’05, A6 = 4.42760Eâˆ’08,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00nineteenth surfaceÎº = 1.0000, A4 = 5.93520Eâˆ’07, A6 = 1.49540Eâˆ’07,A8 = 0.00000E+00, A10 = 0.00000E+00[General Data]zoom ratio 2.8035wide-angleintermediatetelephotoendpositionendf9.0599917.6999825.39997FNo2.921543.983024.94008Ï‰44.6193625.4776818.31049Y8.350008.350008.35000TL76.1299667.2099370.12966Bf0.905520.905420.90523Bf(converted to air)6.615756.615656.61545[Zooming Data]variablewide-angleintermediatetelephotodistanceendpositionendD611.082030.600010.60001D715.895047.418411.39175D187.8573717.8960926.84268[Zoom Lens Group Data]groupfirst surfacefocal lengthtotal lensnumberof groupof grouplengthG11âˆ’20.5088813.7G2920.2198717.5G31954.138052.7[Conditional Expression]Conditional expression (1)Dt23/Dt3i = 4.06Conditional expression (2)f2/f3 = 0.37Conditional expression (3)f2F/f2M = 0.58

As the data table in Table 4 shows, the zoom lens ZL4 according to this example satisfies all the conditional expression (1) to (3).

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens ZL4 according to Example 4. FIG. 11A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state, FIG. 113 are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state, and FIG. 11C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state. FIG. 12A are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the wide-angle end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), FIG. 12B are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the intermediate focal length state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm), and FIG. 12C are graphs showing various aberrations of the zoom lens upon focusing on infinity in the telephoto end state after image blur is corrected (after shifting 0.1 mm).

In Example 4, as the respective graphs on aberrations show, various aberrations are corrected well in each focal length state from the wide-angle end state to the telephoto end state, and excellent image forming performance is exhibited.

In the above embodiment, the following content can be adopted within a range where the optical performance is not diminished.

In each example, the zoom lens comprised of three lens groups was shown, but the present invention can also be applied to a configuration using a different number of lens groups, such as four lens groups. In the configuration, a lens or a lens group may be added to the side closest to the object, or a lens or a lens group may be added to the side closest to the image. A â€œlens groupâ€ refers to a portion having at least one lens isolated by an air space which changes upon zooming.

In the present embodiment, a single or a plurality of lens group(s) or a partial lens group may be designed to be a focusing lens group which performs focusing from an object at infinity to an object at close distance by moving in the optical axis direction. This focusing lens group can be applied to auto focus, and is also suitable for driving a motor for auto focusing (e.g. driving using an ultrasonic motor). It is particularly preferable that the third lens group is designed to be the focusing group.

In the present embodiment, a lens group or a partial lens group may be designed to be a vibration isolating lens group, which corrects image blurs generated by hand motion by moving the lens group or the partial lens group in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis or rotating (oscillating) the lens group or the partial lens group in an in-plane direction including the optical axis. It is particularly preferable that at least a part of the second lens group is designed to be the vibration-isolating lens group.

In the present embodiment, the lens surface may be formed to be a spherical surface or a plane, or an aspherical surface. If the lens surface is a spherical surface or a plane, lens processing, assembly and adjustment are easy, and deterioration of optical performance, due to an error in processing, assembly and adjustment, can be prevented. Even if the image plane is shifted, the drawing performance is not affected very much, which is desirable. If the lens surface is an aspherical surface, the aspherical surface can be any aspherical surface out of an aspherical surface generated by grinding, a glass molded aspherical surface generated by forming glass in an aspherical shape using a die, and a composite-aspherical surface generated by forming a resin on the surface of the glass to be an aspherical shape. The lens surface may be a diffraction surface, and the lens may be a refractive index distributed lens (GRIN lens) or a plastic lens.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the aperture stop is disposed among or near the second lens group, but the role of the aperture stop may be substituted by the frame of the lens, without disposing a separate element as the aperture stop.

In the present embodiment, each lens surface may be coated with an antireflection film which has high transmittance in a wide wavelength region, in order to decrease flares and ghosts, and implement a high optical performance with high contrast.

The zoom ratio of the zoom lens (zooming optical system) of the present embodiment is about 1.5 to 6.

In the zoom lens (zooming optical system) of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first lens group has one positive lens component and two negative lens components. It is preferable that the lens components are disposed, in order from the object, to be in the sequence of negative, negative and positive, with an air distance there between.

In the zoom lens (zooming optical system) of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the second lens group has two positive lens components and one negative lens component. It is preferable that the lens components are disposed, in order from the object, to be in the sequence of positive, positive and negative, with air distance there between.

In the zoom lens (zooming optical system) of the present embodiment, it is preferable that the third lens group has one positive lens component.

As described above, the present invention can provide a compact and ultra-high image quality zoom lens and optical apparatus, which are suitable for a video camera and electronic still camera using solid state picture elements, and can support picture elements having a larger sizes and higher resolutions compared with prior art, and a method of manufacturing the zoom lens.

The present invention was described with configuration requirements in the embodiments, but needless to say, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.