In a zoom optical system for forming an optical image of an object onto a light receiving plane of an image sensor for converting the optical image into an electrical signal, and performing zooming by varying distances between a first lens group and a second lens group, and between the second lens group and a third lens group in an optical axis direction, the zoom optical system includes: the first lens group having a negative optical power; the second lens group having a positive optical power; and the third lens group having a positive optical power, wherein the first lens group is composed of two or more lens elements including at least one positive lens element and at least one negative lens element, the second lens group is composed of two or more lens elements including at least one positive lens element and at least one negative lens element, and all the lens elements in the first lens group are made of a plastic material.