A taking lens system has two lens elements, namely, from the object side, a positive lens element and a meniscus lens element convex to the image side, wherein the focal length of the entire taking lens system and the axial thickness from the object-side surface of the positive lens element to the image-side surface of the meniscus lens element fulfill a prescribed relation. Alternatively, a taking lens system has two lens elements, namely, from the object side, a first lens element having a meniscus shape with a convex surface on the object side and having a positive optical power and a second lens element having a meniscus shape with a concave surface on the image side, wherein the focal lengths of the first and second lens elements fulfill a prescribed relation. Alternatively, a taking lens system has three lens elements, namely, from the object side, a first lens element having a weak optical power, an aperture stop, a second lens element having a positive optical power, and a third lens element having a concave surface on the image side and having a negative optical power, wherein the focal length of the entire taking lens system and the focal lengths of the first and third lens elements fulfill prescribed relations.