A color image scanner is constructed by a three primary color LED array (4)
for illuminating an original (2) to be read out, a monochromatic image
sensor array (3) and a rod lens array (1) disposed between the original
(1) and the image sensor array (3). The focusing parameters of the three
kinds of refractive index distribution type rod lenses (11, 12, 13)
constituting the rod lens array (1) are set so that each of the operating
wavelength band and the predetermined wavelength is different among the
kinds, the lens length Z.sub.o is equal among the kinds, and the conjugate
length TC at each predetermined wavelength is substantially equal among
all the kinds. Accordingly, when a color image reading operation is
carried out by using the rod lens array which is effective in compactness
and brightness, the chromatic aberration of the rod lens array can be
sufficiently reduced and high-resolution can be implemented at low cost.