A comparatively low f-number, compact two-group zoom optical system that corrects aberrations in the visible and the near-infrared regions includes, in order from the object side, a first lens group of negative refractive power and a second lens group of positive refractive power. The first lens group includes three lens components that are lens elements of negative, negative, negative, and positive refractive power, respectively, in order from the object side. The second lens group includes four lens components that are lens elements of positive, positive, negative, and positive refractive power, respectively, in order from the object side. Aspheric surfaces are disclosed. Certain conditions relating to the focal lengths of the two lens groups, indexes of refraction and Abbe numbers of various lens elements, and radii of curvature of an interior lens element of the second lens group are satisfied to control aberrations in both the visible and the near-infrared regions.