A three lens group zoom lens is provided and includes three lens groups of negative, positive, and positive in this order from an object side and varies a magnification by changing distances among respective lens groups. A first group includes, in order from the object side, a negative lens in a meniscus shape directing a convex surface on the object side, a negative lens in a meniscus shape directing a convex surface on the object side, and a positive lens in a meniscus shape directing a convex surface on the object side. A second group includes, in order from the object side, a cemented lens including a bi-convex lens and a bi-concave lens, and a lens in a meniscus shape directing a concave surface on the object side. A third group includes a positive lens. Each of the first group and the second group includes an aspherical surface.