A compact lens system includes a first positive lens element (1) on the object side and a second negative lens element (2) on the image side. The first positive lens element is a meniscus lens having a convex surface (11) facing the object side. The second negative lens element is also a meniscus lens having a convex surface (12) facing the image side. Both of the first and second lens elements are aspheric lenses each having at least one aspheric surface. The first and second lens elements are made of different plastic materials and are symmetrically arranged with respect to each other along the optical axis.