A zoom lens substantially consists of a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a positive third lens group; wherein the first lens group substantially consists of a two negative lenses with concave surfaces toward the image side and a positive lens with a convex surface toward the object side; the second lens group substantially consists of a stop; a positive lens with a convex surface toward the object side; a positive cemented lens, which is formed by a positive lens with a convex surface toward the object side and a negative lens with a concave surface toward the image side together; and a negative aspherical lens with a convex surface toward the image side; and the third lens group substantially consists of a positive lens.