Several embodiments are disclosed of bar code readers in which one or more piezoelectric bimorph elements are utilized as a drive element in the optical system thereof. In different embodiments, the piezoelectric bimorph element is utilized in the scanning function of the bar code reader optical system, or in a variable focus zooming function of the optical system. The bar code readers are provided with improved decoding reliability, speed and orientation freedom, with regular or high density, one or two dimensional bar codes, by using multiple beam symbol crossings, created by using one or more piezoelectric bimorph elements. In different disclosed embodiments, one or more cantilever mounted piezoelectric bimorph elements support a scanning mirror, or a focusing lens, or a laser diode, or a laser diode and limiting aperture, for movement at the free ends of the bimorph elements to produce a scanning of the bar code reader optical system. Several disclosed embodiments of the subject invention provide a beam deflector for a bar code reader optical system having a variable focus zoom lens system in which one or more cantilever mounted piezoelectric bimorph elements control the variable focus zoom lens system. 1