A zoom lens is constituted by, in order from the object side to the image side: a positive first group which is fixed when changing magnification, a negative second lens group which moves when changing magnification, a negative third lens group which moves when changing magnification, and a positive fourth lens group which is fixed when changing magnification. The first lens group is constituted by a 1a lens of a negative meniscus shape, a positive 1b lens, and a positive 1c lens. The second lens group is constituted by a negative 2a lens, a biconcave 2b lens, a positive 2c lens, and a negative 2d lens. The third lens group is constituted by a negative 3a lens and a positive 3b lens. The fourth lens group includes a 4a lens, an aperture stop, and a positive 4b lens, which are consecutively provided from the most object side thereof.