A retracting mechanism of a zoom lens barrel includes first, second and third
lens
groups, wherein the first and third lens groups are integrally moved along an optical
axis during variation of a focal length, and wherein at least one of the first
and third lens groups is moved relative to the other to reduce a distance therebetween
when the zoom lens barrel is fully retracted. The retracting mechanism includes
first, second and third lens group moving rings; a cam mechanism for independently
moving the first and second lens group moving rings; a second lens group support
frame; an intermediate member fixed to the second lens group support frame; and
a biasing device for biasing the third lens group moving ring away from the first
lens group moving ring. The biasing device functions between the intermediate member
and the third lens group moving ring.
