A zoom lens includes a first lens group including at least one positive lens and having a positive refractive power as a whole, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power wherein the first to the fourth lens groups are arranged sequentially from a subject. When magnification is varied from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, the second lens group is moved along an optical axis from the subject-side to an image plane. When given conditions are fulfilled, a small zoom lens with less manufacturing costs, high optical performance, and high magnification is realized.