A zoom lens is constituted by, in order from the object side: a positive first lens group; a negative second lens group; a positive third lens group; a negative fourth lens group; and a positive fifth lens group. The distance between the first and second lens groups constantly increases, the distance between the second and third lens groups constantly decreases, the distance between the third and fourth lens groups constantly changes, and the distance between the fourth and fifth lens groups constantly increases when changing magnification from the wide angle end to the telephoto end. The first lens group is constituted by three lenses, which are negative, positive, and positive in order from the object side. The second lens group is constituted by five lenses, which are negative, negative, positive, positive, and negative in order from the object side. The fifth lens group is constituted by a single lens component.