At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a zoom lens including, in
order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having a
negative refractive power, a second lens unit having a positive
refractive power, and a third lens unit having a positive refractive
power. An interval between respective adjacent lens units varies during
zooming. The first lens unit includes a composite optical element. The
composite optical element includes a lens element and a resin layer
having an optical characteristic different from that of the lens element
and laid on the lens element. The zoom lens satisfies at least one of
predetermined conditions.