A projection lens system includes, in order from the magnification side, a negative first group G.sub.1 and positive second to fifth groups G.sub.2 to G.sub.5. In the lens system, the first group G.sub.1 has aspheric surface, a lens closest to the magnification side (L.sub.7) in the fourth group G.sub.4 has an aspheric surface, and the fifth group G.sub.5 is formed of one positive lens. During zooming, the first group G.sub.1 and the fifth group G.sub.5 remain stationary, while the second to fourth groups G.sub.2 to G.sub.4 are moved separately. Furthermore, the lens system satisfies the expression 0.8