A comapct zoom lens system for video camera is provided which comprises from the object side to the image side; a first lens group of a positive refractive power fixed on the optical axis of the lens system; a second group of a negative refractive power shiftable along the optical axis in the zooming operation; a third lens group of a negative refractive power shiftable in the zooming operation and in the focusing operation; a fourth lens group of a positive refractive power fixed on the optical axis and consisting of at most two positive lens components; an aperture diaphragm; and a fifth lens group including, a front lens unit consisting of a positive lens component having a stronger refractive surface on the object side and a negative lens component having a stronger refractive surface on the object side, and a rear lens unit of a positive refractive power consisting of a positive lens component, a negative meniscus lens component having an objective side surface convex to the object side and a positive lens component having a stronger refractive surface on the object side.