A taking lens system includes, in order from an object side thereof, a first lens group (negative refracting), a second lens group (positive refracting), an aperture stop and a third lens group (positive refracting). Focusing from an infinite distance to a finite distance is performed by setting the second lens group and the third lens group such that the position of the second lens group upon focusing on a finite distance is located on an image side of the taking lens system with respect to the position of the second lens group upon focusing on an infinite distance and the position of the third lens group upon focusing on a finite distance is located on an object side of the taking lens system with respect to the position of the third lens group upon focusing on an infinite distance, while the first lens group remains fixed.