A retractable lens includes first, second and third optical elements which are positioned in a ready state; and a support frame which supports the second optical element, and has a generally ring-shaped portion and a radial arm portion, wherein the ring-shaped portion substantially surrounds the optical axis, and wherein the radial arm portion projects radially outwards from a rear end of the ring-shaped portion, the second optical element supported in a front end portion of the ring-shaped portion. When the retractable lens moves from the ready state to a retracted state, the third optical element is positioned in the ring-shaped portion while the first optical element is retracted from an on-axis position on the optical axis into an off-axis space radially outside the ring-shaped portion such that the first lens group is positioned radially outside the second optical element and the third optical element.