A zoom optical system that comprising: a first lens unit having a negative refractive power; a second lens unit having a positive refractive power; and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power which are arranged in order from an object side, a space between the lens units being changed to perform variation of magnification, the first lens unit includes a negative lens, the second lens unit includes a positive lens and a negative lens in order from the object side, the third lens unit includes a positive lens, and an electronic equipment provided with the zoom optical system.