# Patent

## Title
Zoom optical system and electronic pickup apparatus using the same

## Abstract

A zoom optical system in which: a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side and magnification is changed by properly changing distances between these lens groups; the first lens group consists of only one lens element and the most object-side surface of the first lens group has a convex shape which faces toward the object side; the second lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens; and the following condition (1) or (2) is satisfied:

0.2≦ΔDw-w10/Lt≦0.35  (1)

SFG4=(rG4o+rG4i)/(rG4o−rG4i)>0  (2)

where ΔDw-w10 denotes the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups in changing from the wide angle end position to the position in which the focal length is ten times or more as large as that in the wide angle end position, Lt denotes the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position, SFG4 denotes the shape factor of the fourth lens group, rG40 denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the fourth lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

## Background
This application claims benefits of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-52477 filed in Japan on Mar. 10, 2010 and No. 2010-52478 filed in Japan on Mar. 10, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a zoom optical system and an electronic pickup apparatus using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, it has been known that compact cameras which are designed to become thin include a compact camera in which an optical system is retracted to be stored in the camera housing in a state in which photography is not performed. In order to make such a compact camera more thinner, the thickness within which the optical system is retracted has to be made to become thin.
Now, it is known that constitutions for retracting an optical system include a constitution in which a lens frame for holding the optical system is divided into a plurality of parts so that the lens frame can expand and contract. However, such a constitution requires the large number of the parts into which the lens frame is divided, in order to make a thin thickness for retracting the optical system. As a result, the weight of the whole of the lens frame becomes large, and the divided parts of the lens frame are hard to arrange on the same axis in a state in which the lens frame is not retracted, so that eccentricity is easy to cause in the optical system. Accordingly, in the case where such a constitution is adopted, it is required that the interval at which the lens frame is divided into a plurality of parts is shortened while the number of parts into which the lens frame is divided is being decreased.
And, it is preferred that the total length of the optical system is shortened in both states of the optical system retracting and not retracting, in order to meet these demands. Such optical system is described, for example, in Japanese Patent Kokai No. 2007-271711. The optical system that is described in Japanese Patent Kokai No. 2007-271711 is formed in such a way that the first lens group on the most object side is formed by a cemented lens which is composed of a negative lens and a positive lens. As a result, the first lens group is made to become thin with the occurrence of chromatic aberration restrained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A zoom optical system according to the present invention, which is constituted by a plurality of lens groups and in which magnification is changed by properly changing distances between the lens groups, is characterized in that: a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side; the first lens group consists of only one lens element; the second lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens; and the following condition (1) is satisfied:

0.2≦ΔDw-w10/Lt≦0.35  (1)

where ΔDw-w10 denotes the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups in changing from the wide angle end position to the position in which the focal length is ten times or more as large as that in the wide angle end position, and Lt denotes the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following condition (2) is satisfied:

SFG4=(rG4o+rG4i)/(rG4o−rG4i)>0  (2)

where SFG4 denotes the shape factor of the fourth lens group, rG4o denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the fourth lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following condition (3) is satisfied:

0.2≦SFG4≦5.0  (3)

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the third lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a positive single lens and a cemented lens that consists of a positive lens and a negative lens.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the first lens group consists of only one lens element.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following conditions (4) and (5) are satisfied:

SFG1o-G4i=(rG1o+rG4i)/(rG1o−rG4i)  (4)

0≦SFG1o-G4i≦0.4  (5)

where SFG1o-G4i denotes the shape factor for the most object-side surface of the first lens group and the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group, rG1o denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens and the following condition (6) is satisfied:

0.1≦φG2n2/φG2n1≦1.0  (6)

where φG2n2 denotes the refractive power of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group, and φG2n1 denotes the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the following condition (7) is satisfied:

0.15≦|φG2p2/φG2n1|≦0.45  (7)

where φG2p2 denotes the refractive power of the positive single lens in the second lens group, and φG2n1 denotes the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens and the following condition (8) is satisfied:

0.05≦ndG2n2−ndG2p1≦0.2  (8)

where ndG2n2 denotes the refractive index of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line, and ndG2p1 denotes the refractive index of the positive lens of the cemented single lens in the second lens group at d line.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens and the following condition (9) is satisfied:

20≦νdG2n2−νdG2p1≦50  (9)

where νdG2n2 denotes the Abbe's number of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line, and νdG2p1 denotes the Abbe's number of the positive lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, ft denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the telephoto end position, and √(fw×ft) denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the middle position, the position of the second lens group in the middle position is nearer to the object side than the positions of the second lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, ft denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the telephoto end position, √(fw×ft) denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the middle position, and the position of the second lens group in the middle position is nearer to the object side than the positions of the second lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position, the following condition (10) is satisfied:

−7.0≦ΔVG2w-m/ΔVG2m-t≦−1.2  (10)

where ΔVG2w-m=|VG2m−VG2w| and ΔVG2m-t=|VG2t−VG2m|, VG2w denotes the position of the second lens group in the wide angle end position, VG2m denotes the position of the second lens group in the middle position, VG2t denotes the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position, and the signs of ΔVG2w-m and ΔVG2m-t are regarded as positive when the second lens group moves from the image side to the object side.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position is nearer to the object side than that of the second lens group in the wide angle end position.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical.
Also in zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical, and the direction from the object side to the image side on the optical axis is regarded as a positive direction, the aspherical quantities in the effective radiuses of all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group have negative values.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens and all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical, the following condition (11) is satisfied:

10≦(ASP22c×|Δνd22|)/(ASP22o+ASP22i)≦90  (11)

where ASP22c denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the cemented surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group, Δνd22 denotes the difference between the Abbe's numbers of the two lenses which form the cemented lens of the second lens group, ASP22o denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the object-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group, and ASP22i denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the image-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group. Besides, the effective radius is the smallest of the effective radiuses of the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the fourth lens group consists of only one lens element.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the fourth lens group consists of only one lens element, the fourth lens group consists of only one positive single lens.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following condition (12) is satisfied:

0≦|ΔVG4w-t/fw|≦0.1  (12)

where ΔVG4w-t=|VG4t−VG4w|, VG4w denotes the position of the fourth lens group in the wide angle end position, VG4t denotes the position of the fourth lens group in the telephoto end position, fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, and the sign of ΔVG4w-t is regarded as positive when the fourth lens group moves from the image side to the object side.

Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the fourth lens group does not move in changing a magnification from the wide angle is end position to the telephoto end position.
Also, in order to achieve the above object, an electronic pickup apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the electronic pickup apparatus includes one of the above-described zoom optical systems.
The present invention is capable of offering: a zoom optical system which has a high zoom magnification of 10 or more, in which various aberrations are corrected well with the total length of the zoom optical system kept short in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting, and in which variations in various aberrations are small in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position; and an electronic pickup apparatus using the same.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A-2D, 2E-2H, and 2I-2L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 3A-3D, 3E-3H, and 3I-3L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4A-4D, 4E-4H, and 4I-4L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 1.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A-6D, 6E-6H, and 6I-6L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 7A-7D, 7E-7H, and 7I-7L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 8A-8D, 8E-8H, and 8I-8L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIGS. 10A-10D, 10E-10H, and 10I-10L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 9.
FIGS. 11A-11D, 11E-11H, and 11I-11L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 9.
FIGS. 12A-12D, 12E-12H, and 12I-12L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 9.
FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIGS. 14A-14D, 14E-14H, and 14I-14L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 13.
FIGS. 15A-15D, 15E-15H, and 15I-15L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 13.
FIGS. 16A-16D, 16E-16H, and 16I-16L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 13.
FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 5 of the present invention.
FIGS. 18A-18D, 18E-18H, and 18I-18L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 17.
FIGS. 19A-19D, 19E-19H, and 19I-19L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 17.
FIGS. 20A-20D, 20E-20H, and 20I-20L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 17.
FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, is respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIGS. 22A-22D, 22E-22H, and 22I-22L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 23A-23D, 23E-23H, and 23I-23L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 24A-24D, 24E-24H, and 24I-24L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 21.
FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 7 of the present invention.
FIGS. 26A-26D, 26E-26H, and 26I-26L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 25.
FIGS. 27A-27D, 27E-27H, and 27I-27L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 25.
FIGS. 28A-28D, 28E-28H, and 28I-28L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 25.
FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the embodiment 8 of the present invention.
FIGS. 30A-30D, 30E-30H, and 30I-30L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 29.
FIGS. 31A-31D, 31E-31H, and 31I-31L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 29.
FIGS. 32A-32D, 32E-32H, and 32I-32L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 29.
FIG. 33 is a front perspective view showing the external appearance of a digital camera into which a zoom optical system according to the present invention is integrated.
FIG. 34 is a back view showing the digital camera shown in FIG. 33.
FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing the constitution inside the digital camera shown in FIG. 33.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Before undertaking the description of the embodiments of a zoom optical system according to the present invention, constitutions for a zoom optical system according to the present invention and operation effects caused by the constitutions will be explained.
A zoom optical system according to the present invention, which includes a plurality of lens groups and in which magnification is changed by properly changing distances between the lens groups, is characterized in that: a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side; the first lens group consists of only one lens element; the second lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens; and the following condition (1) is satisfied:

0.2≦ΔDw-w10/Lt≦0.35  (1)

where ΔDw-w10 denotes the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups in changing from the wide angle end position to the position in which the focal length is ten times or more as large as that in the wide angle end position, and Lt denotes the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position.

As described above, the first lens group consists of only one lens element in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, so that the first lens group can be made to have a thin thickness and the total length of the zoom optical system can be shortened in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting.
Also, the second lens group includes a cemented lens in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, so that it is possible to correct chromatic aberration that occurs mainly in the telephoto end position when the total length of the optical system is shortened with a high magnification of 10 or more kept.
Now, in such a constitution of a zoom optical system according to the present invention, when the first lens group consists of only one lens element, aberration cannot be corrected enough by the first lens group in the case where the variable magnification ratio is high, and aberration occurring in the first lens group becomes large. In addition, although an attempt to correct the aberration by the second lens group is made, variations in aberrations in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position become large when a variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups is large.
Accordingly, a zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (1) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, a variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups is smaller than the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position even in a state in which the zoom optical system has a high magnification of 10 or more.
Because a zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, variations in aberrations are small in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position of the zoom optical system according to the present invention. Also, the correction of aberrations can be shared among the first and second lens groups in the zoom optical system according to the present invention, so that it is possible to collect aberrations well. In addition, the total length of the optical system can be shortened in the telephoto end position.
Besides, if ΔDw-w10/Lt is beyond the upper limit of the condition (1), variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups becomes too large and it is impossible to shorten the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position. In addition, variations in aberrations become large in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position. On the other hand, if ΔDw-w10/Lt is below the lower limit of the condition (1), the refractive power of the second lens group has to be increased, so that variations in aberrations become large on the contrary.
Also, a zoom optical system according to the present invention, which includes a plurality of lens groups and in which magnification is changed by properly changing distances between the lens groups, is characterized in that: a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side; the most object-side surface of the first lens group has a convex shape which faces toward the object side; and the following condition (2) is satisfied:

SFG4=(rG4o+rG4i)/(rG4o−rG4i)>0  (2)

where SFG4 denotes the shape factor of the fourth lens group, rG4o denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the fourth lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

In general, many lens surfaces in an optical system are a lens surface the concave shape of which faces toward a stop, that is to say, a lens surface in which the center of the sphere forming the lens surface is located on the stop-side. And, the more symmetrical the constitutions of these lens surfaces on the object and image sides become with respect to the stop, the smaller the angle between a light ray incident on each of these lens surfaces and the normal to the each of these lens surfaces becomes, so that the occurrence of aberrations, in particular, distortion and coma can be restrained and the variations in aberrations also become small. In particular, because the heights of light rays which are incident on the most object-side surface and the most image-side surface of an optical system respectively are high, an effect on a reduction in aberration becomes large when the concave shapes of these lens surfaces face toward the stop.
Accordingly, the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that: the most object-side surface of the first lens group has a convex shape which faces toward the object side; and the shape factor of the fourth lens group has a positive value, that is to say, the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group has a convex shape which faces toward the image side.
Because the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the occurrence of and the variations in various aberrations such as distortion and coma can be restrained in the zoom optical system. As a result, even though the zoom optical system is given a variable magnification ratio which makes the zoom optical system have high power, it is possible to restrain aberrations, in particular, in the telephoto end position and in a position of the zoom optical system which is near to the telephoto end position.
In addition, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, a principal point of the fourth lens group in this case is nearer to the image side than that of the fourth lens group the shape factor of which has a negative value. As a result, even though the distances between the fourth lens group and filters and so on which are arranged on the image side of the fourth lens group (infrared cut filter, low-pass filter, cover glass for sensor, and so on) are not widened too much, the principal point distances between the fourth lens group and the filters and so on can be made to become wide, so that it is possible to shorten the total length of the optical system. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system is given a variable magnification ratio which makes the zoom optical system have high power, it is possible not only to restrain aberrations in the telephoto end position and in a position of the zoom optical system which is near to the telephoto end position but also to keep the total length of the optical system short.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following condition (3) is satisfied:

0.2≦SFG4≦5.0  (3)

As described above, when the condition (3) is satisfied in the zoom optical system according to the present invention, the total length of the optical system can be easily shortened more without large amounts of aberrations occurring in the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.
Besides, if SFG4 is beyond the upper limit of the condition (3), the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group becomes too small, an amount of aberration occurring in the most-image surface of the fourth lens group easily becomes large. On the other hand, if SFG4 is below the lower limit of the condition (3), a principal point of the fourth lens group comes nearer to the object side, so that it is hard to secure the distances between the fourth lens group and the filters and so on.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the third lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a positive single lens and a cemented lens that consists of a positive lens and a negative lens.
In the zoom optical system according to the present invention, the third lens group often has a constitution in which the third lens group comprises, in order from the objects side, a positive single lens, a cemented lens that consists of a positive lens and a negative lens, and a positive single lens. Such a constitution makes it possible to correct coma well.
In this case, when the third lens group is formed in such a way that the third lens group consists of, in order from the object side, a positive single lens and a cemented lens that consists of a positive lens and a negative lens and the fourth lens group is formed in such a way that the fourth lens group consists of only a positive single lens, the combination of the third and fourth lens groups makes it possible to easily correct coma, in particular, coma which occurs in the wide angle end position in which the distance between the third and fourth lens groups becomes narrow.
In addition, unless the positive single lens is arranged on the most image side in the third lens group, the positive principal point of the third lens group comes nearer to the object side, so that the distance between the positive principal point of the third lens group and a principal point of the negative lens of the cemented lens of the third lens group can be widened. As a result, the angle of incidence at which light flux enters the negative lens of the cemented lens of the third lens group becomes gradual, so that it is possible to avoid bending light rays largely through the negative lens. Accordingly, it becomes easy to restrain the occurrence of spherical aberration and coma.
Also, off-axis light flux the image height of which is high in the range from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position passes through a position which is near to a position through which on-axis light flux passes, in the third lens group. As a result, when a cemented lens is arranged in the third lens group, spherical aberration and on-axis chromatic aberration can be corrected well by the cemented surface of the cemented lens.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the first lens group consists of only one lens element.
In the zoom optical system according to the present invention, the first lens group is often given a role in the corrections of off-axis aberrations, in particular, a role of the correction of coma because the angles of incidence at which light rays enter the first lens group are large and the heights of the light rays which enter the first lens group are also high. And, a plurality of lenses must be arranged in the first lens group in order to give the first lens group the role. On the other hand, the heights of light rays that enter the first lens group are high, so that a large and thick lens is often selected as a lens for the first lens group.
As a result, the total length of the zoom optical system becomes long in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting. In addition, the weight of the first lens group also becomes heavy, so that motor or the like for moving the lens group must be made to have a large size, and the size of an apparatus having the optical system itself also becomes large.
Accordingly, it is preferred that the number of lenses of the first lens group is as small as possible so that the first lens group has a thin thickness and a light weight. For this reason, it is preferred that the first lens group consists of only one lens element in the zoom optical system according to the present invention. Besides, even though the first lens group is composed of only one lens element, there is no occurrence of a large amount of coma.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following conditions (4) and (5) are satisfied:

SFG1o-G4i=(rG1o+rG4i)/(rG1o−rG4i)  (4)

0≦SFG1o-G4i≦0.4  (5)

where SFG1o-G4i denotes the shape factor for the most object-side surface of the first lens group and the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group, rG1o denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the shape factor for the most object-side surface of the first lens group and the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group which is defined as the condition (4) satisfies the condition (5), that is to say, the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group is as large as that of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group, or the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group is slightly larger than that of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the radiuses of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group and the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group also become approximately symmetrical to each other with respect to the stop, so that it is possible to restrain the variation in coma in changing a magnification. In addition, it is possible to restrain the occurrence of large amounts of aberrations in the telephoto end position in which the zoom optical system has high power and in a position of the zoom optical system which is near to the telephoto end position.
Besides, if SFG1o-G4i is beyond the upper limit of the condition (5), the difference between the radiuses of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group and the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group becomes large, so that the symmetry of the optical system deteriorates. As a result, it is hard to restrain the variation in coma in changing a magnification, and it is also hard to restrain the occurrence of large amounts of aberrations in the telephoto end position in which the zoom optical system has a high power and in a position of the zoom optical system which is near to the telephoto end position. On the other hand, if SFG1o-G4i is below the lower limit of the condition (5), the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group becomes small, so that amounts of aberrations occurring in the most object-side surface of the first lens group become large.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the second lens group includes a cemented lens, so that it is possible to easily correct chromatic aberration occurring mainly in the telephoto end position and in a position of the zoom optical system which is near to the telephoto end position when the variable magnification ratio is changed into a high power of 10 or more with the total length of the optical system kept short.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens and the following condition (6) is satisfied:

0.1≦φG2n2/φG2n1≦1.0  (6)

where φG2n2 denotes the refractive power of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group, and φG2n1 denotes the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (6) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, the refractive power of the negative single lens which is arranged nearest to the object side in the second lens group is larger than that of the negative lens of the cemented lens.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the principal point of the second lens group comes nearer to the object side, so that the first and second lens groups can be approximated to each other and it is possible to shorten the total length of the optical system. In addition, when the principal point of the second lens group comes nearer to the object side, the entrance pupil also comes nearer to the object side, so that the heights of light rays become low in the first lens group and the first lens group can have a small diameter. As a result, the first lens group the movement distance of which is large in changing a magnification can be downsized and can be formed in such a way that the weight of the first lens group is light. Accordingly, a motor for moving the first lens group or the like, together with the whole of the optical system, can be also downsized.
Besides, if φG2n2/φG2n1 is beyond the upper limit of the condition (6), the refractive power of the negative single lens is reduced and the principal point of the second lens group comes nearer to the image side, so that the first and second lens groups cannot be approximated to each other and it is hard to shorten the total length of the optical system. In addition, the entrance pupil comes nearer to the image side, so that the diameter of the first lens group becomes large and it is also hard to downsize the whole of the optical system. On the other hand, if φG2n2/φG2n1 is below the lower limit of the condition (6), the refractive power of the negative lens of the cemented lens is reduced, so that the balance between the refractive powers of the negative and positive lenses in the cemented lens is lost and it is hard to correct chromatic aberration well.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the following condition (7) is satisfied:

0.15≦|φG2p2/φG2n1|≦0.45  (7)

where φG2p2 denotes the refractive power of the positive single lens in the second lens group, and φG2n1 denotes the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (7) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, the absolute value of the refractive power of the positive single lens is smaller than that of the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, light rays can be gently bent by the positive single lens in the zoom optical system, so that variations in aberrations occurring in the positive single lens can be made to become small in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position.
Besides, if |φG2p2/φG2n1| is beyond the upper limit of the condition (7), the refractive power of the positive single lens becomes too large, so that variations in the aberrations in changing a magnification easily become large. On the other hand, if |φG2p2/φG2n1| is below the lower limit of the condition (7), the refractive power of the positive single lens becomes too small, so that it is hard to correct aberrations occurring in the second lens group.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens and the following condition (8) is satisfied:

0.05≦ndG2n2−ndG2p1≦0.2  (8)

where ndG2n2 denotes the refractive index of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line, and ndG2p1 denotes the refractive index of the positive lens of the cemented single lens in the second lens group at d line.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (8) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, the refractive index of the negative lens at d line is larger than the refractive index of the positive lens at d line in the negative cemented lens of the second lens group. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the Petzval sum can be easily made to become small.
Besides, if ndGn2−ndGp1 is beyond the upper limit of the condition (8), the refractive index of the negative lens becomes too large, so that the Petzval sum has a large negative value and a large amount of curvature of image easily occurs. On the other hand, if ndGn2−ndGp1 is below the lower limit of the condition (8), the refractive index of the negative lens becomes too small, so that the Petzval sum cannot be made to become small and a large amount of curvature of image easily occurs.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens and the following condition (9) is satisfied:

20≦νdG2n2−νdG2p150  (9)

where νdG2n2 denotes the Abbe's number of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line, and νdG2p1 denotes the Abbe's number of the positive lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (9) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, the difference between the Abbe's numbers of the negative and positive lenses that form the cemented lens is large. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, chromatic aberration is easy to correct well.
Besides, if νdG2n2−νdG2p1 is beyond the upper limit of the condition (9), materials which can be used for the cemented lens are restricted, so that the cemented lens is hard to make. On the other hand, if νdG2n2−νdG2p1 is below the lower limit of the condition (9), the difference between the Abbe's numbers becomes too small, so that it is hard to correct chromatic aberration well.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, ft denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the telephoto end position, and √(fw×ft) denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the middle position, the position of the second lens group in the middle position is nearer to the object side than the positions of the second lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position.
In the constitution as a zoom optical system according to the present invention has it, the height of off-axis chief ray is high in the first lens group in the range from the wide angle end position to the middle position, and, in particular, the shorter the focal length in the wide angle end position is, the more easily the heights of light rays become high. Also, even though the focal length is fixed in the wide angle end position, the wider the distance between the first and second lens groups is, the more easily the heights of light rays become high in the first lens group. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system is formed in such a way that the distance between the first and second lens groups is sharply widened in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the middle position, the outer diameters of the lenses in the first lens group have to be large, and, in addition, the thicknesses of the lenses in the first lens group have to be thick. As a result, the total length of the zoom optical system easily becomes large in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting.
Accordingly, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the zoom optical system is formed in such a way that the position of the second lens group in the middle position is nearer to the object side than the positions of the second lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups becomes small in changing from the wide angle end position to the middle position, and the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups becomes large in changing from the middle position to the telephoto end position. As a result, the distance between the first and second lens groups is not sharply widened in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the middle position, so that it is hard for the height of off-axis chief ray to become high in the first lens group. As a result, the first lens group does not have to have a large size, and the total length of the zoom optical system is easy to shorten in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, ft denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the telephoto end position, √(fw×ft) denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the middle position, and the position of the second lens group in the middle position is nearer to the object side than the positions of the second lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position, the following condition (10) is satisfied:

−7.0≦ΔVG2w-m/ΔVG2m-t≦−1.2  (10)

where ΔG2w-m=|VG2m−VG2w| and ΔVG2m-t=|VG2t−VG2m|, VG2w denotes the position of the second lens group in the wide angle end position, VG2m denotes the position of the second lens group in the middle position, VG2t denotes the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position, and the signs of ΔVG2w-m and ΔVG2m-t are regarded as positive when the second lens group moves from the image side to the object side.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (10) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, the movement distance of the second lens group in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the middle position is larger than that of the second lens group in changing a magnification from the middle position to the telephoto end position.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups does not become too large in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the middle position, and the heights of light rays do not become too high in the first lens group. Also, when the zoom optical system has such a constitution, the position of the second lens group in the wide angle end position is compared with the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position so that the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position becomes nearer to the object side. As a result, the third lens group which is responsible for changing a magnification can easily move to the object side in the telephoto end position, and an optical system of high power is easy to achieve.
Besides, if ΔVG2w-m/ΔVG2m-t is beyond the upper limit of the condition (10), the position of the second lens group in the wide angle end position becomes near to the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position, or the position of the second lens in the telephoto end position becomes nearer to the image side than that of the second lens group in the wide angle end position, so that it becomes hard for the third lens group to move to the object side in the telephoto end position, and it is hard to achieve an optical system of high power. On the other hand, if ΔVG2w-m/ΔVG2m-t is below the lower limit of the condition (10), the movement distance of the second lens group becomes large in changing from the wide angle end position to the middle position, so that the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups becomes too small, and it is hard to change a magnification.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position is nearer to the object side than that of the second lens group in the wide angle end position.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the third lens group which is responsible for changing a magnification can easily move to the object side in the telephoto end position. As a result, it is possible to make a variable magnification ratio high.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, the cemented surface in the cemented lens of the second lens group is aspherical.
In the wide angle end position, off-axis light flux the image height of which is high enters the second lens group with the height of the light flux high. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, it is easy to correct off-axis aberrations, in particular, such as chromatic aberration of magnification, well in the wide angle end position.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical.
In the wide angle end position, off-axis light flux the image height of which is high enters the second lens group with the height of the light flux high. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, it is easy to correct off-axis aberrations, such as coma, well in the wide angle end position. Also, the second lens group becomes near to a stop in the telephoto end position, so that every light flux enters the negative cemented lens at a position which is near to the stop, independently of the height of light flux. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, it is easy to correct on-axis aberrations, such as spherical aberration, well.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical, and the direction from the object side to the image side on the optical axis is regarded as a positive direction, the aspherical quantities in the effective radiuses of all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group have negative values.
In a zoom optical system having a constitution as the present invention discloses, it is desired that the most object-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group has a low negative refractive power and the most image-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group has a high negative refractive power when a near-axial arrangement of refractive powers is taken into consideration. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, a principal point of the cemented lens comes nearer to the image side, so that it is possible to shorten the distance between the cemented lens and the positive lens that is arranged on the image side of and adjacently to the cemented lens. As a result, it is possible to thin the thickness of the second lens group. In addition, the negative refractive power of the second lens group can be intensified, so that it is also possible to shorten the total length of the optical system.
However, if light flux is largely bent by only one surface, a large amount of aberration occurs in the areas in which image heights are high and in which the heights of the rays of an on-axis light flux are high. In particular, large amounts of astigmatism and coma occur, and, in addition, a large amount of spherical aberration occurs in a position of the zoom optical system that is near to the telephoto end position. In order to restrain the occurrence of such aberrations to gently bend light rays, the refractive powers in the cemented lens must be arranged well-balancedly so that the negative refractive power of the most object-side surface of the cemented lens becomes high in the area of the most object-side surface which is removed from the optical axis and the negative refractive power of the most image-side surface of the cemented lens becomes low in the area of the most image-side surface which is removed from the optical axis.
Accordingly, in the cemented lens of the second lens group, it is preferred that the area of the most object-side surface of the cemented lens which is removed from the optical axis is given a negative aspherical quantity in order to intensify the negative refractive power and the area of the most image-side surface of the cemented lens which is removed from the optical axis is given a negative aspherical quantity in order to reduce the negative refractive power. Also, unless the cemented surface is also given a negative aspherical quantity in order to balance the refractive powers of the cemented lens in this case, a large amount of chromatic aberration occurs in the area of the cemented surface in which the heights of the light rays of on-axis light flux are high. Accordingly, it is preferred that the area of the cemented surface which is removed from the optical axis is also given negative aspherical quantities.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that when the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens and all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical, the following condition (11) is satisfied:

10≦(ASP22c×|Δνd22|)/(ASP22o+ASP22i)≦90  (11)

where ASP22c denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the cemented surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group, Δνd22 denotes the difference between the Abbe's numbers of the two lenses which form the cemented lens of the second lens group, ASP22o denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the object-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group, and ASP22i denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the image-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group. Besides, the effective radius is the smallest of the effective radiuses of the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group.

Both of the object and image sides of the cemented surface of the cemented lens come into contact with lenses respectively, so that the difference between the refractive indexes of the lens mediums on the object side and image side of the cemented surface is smaller than the difference between the refractive indexes on the object side and image side of a lens surface one side of which comes into contact with air. That is to say, even though the cemented surface of the cemented lens is given the same aspherical quantity as a lens surface one side of which comes into contact with air is given, the refractive power obtained by aspherical surface in the cemented surface becomes smaller than that in the surface one side of which comes into contact with air. Accordingly, the cemented surface of the cemented lens must be given a large aspherical quantity in order to make the cemented surface have the same refractive power as that of the surface one side of which comes into contact with air. Also, when the balance between the corrections of chromatic aberration and another aberrations in the cemented surface is taken into consideration, it is desired that an aspherical quantity for the cemented surface in the case of a large difference between the Abbe's numbers of materials for the two lenses which form the cemented lens is made to become smaller than an aspherical quantity for the cemented surface in the case of a small difference between the Abbe's numbers of materials for the two lenses which form the cemented lens
Accordingly, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in Such a way that the condition (11) is satisfied in the zoom optical system. When the zoom optical system according to the present invention has a constitution in which the condition (11) is satisfied, the aspherical quantity of the cemented surface of the cemented lens becomes larger than the aspherical quantities of the object-side and image-side surfaces of the cemented lens. Also, when the difference between Abbe's numbers of materials for the two lenses that form the cemented lens is small, the aspherical quantity of the cemented surface becomes large, and when the difference between Abbe's numbers of materials for the two lenses that form the cemented lens is large, the aspherical quantity of the cemented surface becomes small. As a result, it is possible to correct spherical aberration, coma, chromatic aberration of magnification, chromatic aberration of coma, and so on well-balancedly.
Besides, if (ASP22c×|Δνd22|)/(ASP22o+ASP22i) is beyond the upper limit of the condition (11), the aspherical quantity of the cemented surface becomes too large, so that large amounts of various aberrations, in particular, chromatic aberration of magnification and chromatic aberration of coma, easily occur. In addition, the difference between Abbe's numbers of materials for the two lenses that form the cemented lens becomes too large, so that materials which can be used for the cemented lens are restricted, and the cemented lens is hard to make. On the other hand, if (ASP22c×|Δνd22|)/(ASP22o+ASP22i) is below the lower limit of the condition (11), the aspherical quantity of the cemented surface becomes too small, so that various aberrations, in particular, chromatic aberration of magnification and chromatic aberration of coma, are hard to correct. In addition, the difference between Abbe's numbers of materials for the two lenses that form the cemented lens becomes too small, so that chromatic aberration is hard to correct.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the fourth lens group consists of only one lens element.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, it is possible to thin the thickness of the fourth lens group. As a result, the total length of the zoom optical system can be easily made to become short in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting.
Also, when the fourth lens group consists of only one lens element in the zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the fourth lens group consists of only one positive singly lens.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, it is possible to thin the thickness of the fourth lens group more. As a result, the total length of the zoom optical system can be easily made to become shorter in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting. In addition, the shape factor of this one positive single lens has a positive value. That is to say, the radius of curvature of the image-side surface of the positive single lens is smaller than that of the object-side surface of the positive single lens, so that the angle between light flux incident on the image-side surface and the normal to the image-side surface becomes small, and it is hard for aberrations to occur.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the following condition (12) is satisfied:

0≦|ΔVG4w-t/fw|≦0.1  (12)

where ΔVG4w-t=|VG4t−VG4w|, VG4 denotes the position of the fourth lens group in the wide angle end position, VG4t denotes the position of the fourth lens group in the telephoto end position, fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, and the sign of ΔVG4w-t is regarded as positive when the fourth lens group moves from the image side to the object side.

As described above, it is preferred that the zoom optical system according to the present invention is formed in such a way that the condition (12) is satisfied in the zoom optical system, that is to say, changes in the positions of the fourth lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position becomes very small. Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, variation in curvature of image in changing a magnification can be easily made to become small.
Besides, if |ΔVG4w-t/fw| is beyond the upper limit of the condition (12), the movement distance of the fourth lens group becomes too large, so that the total length of the zoom optical system is apt to become long. In addition, the variation in curvature of image in changing a magnification easily becomes large.
Also, in a zoom optical system according to the present invention, it is preferred that the fourth lens group does not move in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position.
Accordingly, when the zoom optical system according to the present invention has such a constitution, the variation in curvature of image in changing a magnification can be easily made to become small because the fourth lens group does not move in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position.
In addition, when the zoom optical system has such a constitution, the zoom optical system does not require a mechanism for moving the fourth lens group. Besides, even in the case where the fourth lens group is used for focus, the fourth lens group is moved only in the case of making the zoom optical system in focus, so that a simple mechanism for moving the fourth lens group is sufficient for the zoom optical system. As a result, it is possible to downsize lens barrel, motor, and so on, and the whole of the optical system can be easily downsized.
Also, an electronic pickup apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the electronic pickup apparatus includes one of the above-described zoom optical systems.
As described above, a zoom optical system according to the present invention has a high power, the total length of the zoom optical system is short in the both states of the zoom optical system retracting and not retracting, various aberrations are corrected well in the zoom optical system, and variations in various aberrations are small in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position. As a result, when such an optical system is used for an electronic pickup apparatus, it is possible to obtain a high image quality, and it is possible to obtain an electronic pickup apparatus which is thin and has a high power.
The embodiments 1 to 8 of a zoom optical system according to the present invention will be explained below with the diagrams referred to.
Besides, subscript numerals in r1, r2, . . . and d1, d2, . . . in sectional views of the optical systems correspond to surface numbers, 1, 2, . . . in numerical value data, respectively.
Also, in the numerical value data to lenses in each of the following embodiments, s denotes a surface number, r denotes the radius of curvature of each surface, d denotes spacing between the surfaces, nd denotes the refractive index relating to the d line (wavelength: 587.56 nm), νd denotes the Abbe's number relating to the d line, k denotes a conic constant, and A4, A6, A8, A10, and A12 denote an aspherical coefficient. In addition, lens surfaces the surface numbers of which are marked with “*” are aspherical surfaces.
Also, in the data for the aspherical surface coefficients in the following numerical value data, E denotes a power of ten. For example, “E-10” denotes “ten to the power of minus one”. In addition, the shape of each aspherical surface is expressed by the following equation with aspherical coefficients for each embodiment:

Z=(Y2/r)/[1+{1−(1+k)(Y/r)3}1/2]+A4Y4+A6Y6+A8Y8+A10Y10+A12Y12+ . . . .

where, the direction from the object side to the image side is regarded as positive, Z is taken as a coordinate in the direction along the optical axis, and Y is taken as a coordinate in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Embodiment 1
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 1 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 1 to 4.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of a zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 2A-2D, 2E-2H, and 2I-2L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3A-3D, 3E-3H, and 3I-3L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4A-4D, 4E-4H, and 4I-4L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 1.
First, the optical constitution of the zoom optical system of the present embodiment will be explained using FIG. 1. Besides, a lens shape in the explanations of aspherical lenses means the shape of aspherical lens in the vicinity of the optical axis of the light ray from the object side ahead.
The zoom optical system of the present embodiment comprises, in order from the object side, a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3, and a positive fourth lens group G4 which are arranged on the optical axis Lc. Also, an aperture stop S which moves integratedly with the third lens group G3 is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3. Besides, a low-pass filter LF, a CCD cover glass CG, and an image sensor having an imaging plane IM are arranged in that order from the object side and on the image side of the fourth lens group G4.
The first lens group G1 comprises only a positive cemented lens which consists of, in order from the object side, a lens L11 that is a negative meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, and a lens L12 that is a biconvex lens the image-side surface of which is aspherical.
The second lens group G2 comprises in order from the object side: a lens L21 which is a negative meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side; a negative cemented lens which consists of a lens L22 that is a negative meniscus lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical and the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, and a lens L23 that is a positive meniscus lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical and the convex surface of which faces toward the object side; and a lens L24 which is a positive meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side.
The third lens group G3 comprises in order from the object side: a lens L31 which is a biconvex lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical; and a negative cemented lens which consists of a lens L32 that is a biconvex lens, and a lens L33 that is a biconcave lens.
Besides, all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the third lens group G3 are spherical, so that the lenses L32 and L33 which the cemented lens is composed of can be made by polishing and are cheaper than an aspherical lens which is made by glass forming process or the like.
The fourth lens group G4 comprises only a lens L41 which is a biconvex lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical.
Next, the movement of each of the lens groups in the zoom optical system of the present embodiment in changing a magnification will be explained.
In changing a magnification from the wide-angle end position to the telephoto end position, the first lens group G1 moves toward the object side. The second lens group G2 reciprocates on the optical axis Lc in such a way that the second lens group G2 first moves toward the object side and then moves toward the image side, with the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 being widened. The third lens group G3, together with the aperture stop S, moves toward the object side on the optical axis Lc, with the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 being narrowed. The fourth lens group G4 reciprocates on the optical axis Lc in such a way that the fourth lens group G4 first moves toward the image side and then moves toward the object side, with the distance between the third lens group G3 and the fourth lens group G4 being widened.
The numerical value data to the lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 1


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


 1
20.0151
0.9000
1.94595
17.98
9.600


 2
16.5455
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.123


 3*
−608.4103
D3


8.850


 4
50.2354
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.508


 5
5.9863
3.2849


4.717


 6*
5620.2668
0.7000
1.69350
53.21
4.545


 7*
6.1973
0.8500
1.63387
23.38
4.432


 8*
13.2950
0.3000


4.419


 9
11.1530
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.451


10
18.9979
D10


4.700


11 (Stop)
∞
−0.1000


2.317


12*
6.1358
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.395


13*
−13.3699
0.1400


2.356


14
6.9314
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.270


15
−8.5935
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.027


16
3.8417
D16


1.850


17*
58542.8664
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.693


18*
−11.2254
D18


4.869


19
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.264


20
∞
0.5000


4.241


21
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.193


22
∞
0.3700


4.162


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−608.410
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





8.55615e−06
−3.58742e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
5620.267
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





−1.32033e−03
2.12952e−05
−1.78021e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
6.197
0.000










Aspherical coefficients









A4
A6
A8





−2.71239e−03
2.66916e−05
−1.63840e−08












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
13.295
0.000










Aspherical coefficients









A4
A6
A8





−1.27786e−03
2.66916e−05
−1.63840e−08












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
6.136
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





−4.75567e−04
−1.36226e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−13.370
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





4.07860e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
58542.866
0.000










Aspherical coefficients










A4
A6







−1.35928e−06
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−11.225
0.000










Aspherical coefficients









A4
A6
A8





−4.46926e−05
−2.76328e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.518















Wide-angle





end position
Middle position







Focal length
5.086
17.107



F-number
3.257
5.446



Toatal angle of view
75.610
25.785



Image height
3.830
3.830



Total length of lens
43.802
55.487



Back focus
5.994
5.388



The distance from object
∞
∞



D3
0.300
9.064



D10
13.620
6.523



D16
3.113
13.737



D18
4.596
3.991



The radius of stop
2.317
2.317



Entrance pupil position
11.878
32.211



Exit pupil position
−11.283
−120.092



Position of front principal point
15.467
46.986



Position of rear principal point
−4.716
−16.737















Position in which the




focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.579
50.601


F-number
6.300
6.252


Total angle of view
7.716
8.940


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.719
65.463


Back focus
5.412
5.516


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
20.197
19.281


D10
1.685
2.459


D16
17.650
17.431


D18
4.015
4.119


The radius of stop
2.317
2.317


Entrance pupil position
108.820
97.193


Exit pupil position
620.677
869.645


Position of front principal point
172.977
151.757


Position of rear principal point
−58.209
−50.231










Single lens data









Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length





L11
1
−115.459


L12
2
27.270


L21
4
−7.763


L22
6
−8.947


L23
7
17.501


L24
9
26.378


L31
12
7.584


L32
14
8.043


L33
15
−4.280


L41
17
21.148










Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
36.727
4.700


G2
4
−6.054
7.725


G3
11
9.945
5.630


G4
17
21.148
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.261
−3.112


G2
1.196
−4.151


G3
−3.334
−4.964


G4
1.777
−0.000










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.232
−0.350


G3
−0.832
−1.786


G4
0.717
0.745














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.981
−0.855


G3
−2.184
−2.181


G4
0.744
0.739










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.288



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 1.000



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.281



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.868



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.443



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.060



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 29.83



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −3.24



Condition (11)



(ASP22c × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o + ASP22i): 39.0



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.013










Embodiment 2
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 2 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 5 to 8. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system and the movement of each of the lens groups in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiment 1, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiment 1 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 6A-6D, 6E-6H, and 6I-6L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 5. FIGS. 7A-7D, 7E-7H, and 7I-7L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 5. FIGS. 8A-8D, 8E-8H, and 8I-8L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 5.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 2


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


 1
20.8522
0.9000
1.92286
20.88
9.600


 2
16.6388
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.105


 3*
−235.3898
D3


8.850


 4
365.1222
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
5.695


 5
5.6598
2.5701


4.251


 6*
26151.9145
0.7000
1.74250
49.27
4.183


 7*
8.1614
0.7164
1.63387
23.38
4.140


 8*
13.5155
0.3000


4.141


 9
11.2152
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.206


10
28.4287
D10


4.700


11 (Stop)
∞
−0.1000


2.321


12*
6.0735
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.411


13*
−16.2836
0.1400


2.365


14
5.7093
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.288


15
−8.5126
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.049


16
3.5665
D16


1.850


17*
15198.3952
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.698


18*
−10.6465
D18


4.883


19
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.279


20
∞
0.5000


4.261


21
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.217


22
∞
0.4100


4.193


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−235.390
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





8.44752e−06
−7.65080e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
26151.915
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





−5.95515e−04
1.04365e−05
−3.25540e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
8.161
0.000










Aspherical coefficients










A4
A6







−7.36856e−04
5.17862e−06













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
13.515
0.000










Aspherical coefficients










A4
A6







−7.36856e−04
5.17862e−06













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
6.074
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





−3.15931e−04
−1.13586e−05
9.94380e−07













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−16.284
0.000










Aspherical coefficients












A4
A6
A8





4.76102e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
15198.395
0.000










Aspherical coefficients










A4
A6







−1.67790e−05
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−10.646
0.000










Aspherical coefficients









A4
A6
A8





1.45469e−05
−1.98510e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.525















wide-angle





end position
Middle position







Focal length
5.096
17.159



F-number
3.266
5.452



Total angle of view
75.469
25.238



Image height
3.830
3.830



Total length of lens
41.957
55.165



Back focus
5.979
5.341



The distance from object
∞
∞



D3
0.300
9.861



D10
12.583
6.212



D16
3.168
13.824



D18
4.542
3.904



The radius of stop
2.321
2.321



Entrance pupil position
10.636
32.341



Exit pupil position
−11.626
−177.623



Position of front principal point
14.257
47.891



Position of rear principal point
−4.686
−16.749















Position in which the




focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.731
50.642


F-number
6.300
6.082


Total angle of view
7.561
8.731


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.758
65.491


Back focus
5.373
6.446


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
21.131
20.323


D10
1.598
2.035


D16
17.730
16.761


D18
3.935
5.008


The radius of stop
2.321
2.321


Entrance pupil position
110.693
100.267


Exit pupil position
234.777
465.261


Position of front principal point
184.461
156.653


Position of rear principal point
−58.321
−44.323










Single lens data









Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length





L11
1
−99.420


L12
2
26.398


L21
4
−6.517


L22
6
−10.995


L23
7
30.898


L24
9
19.117


L31
12
7.909


L32
14
7.192


L33
15
−4.051


L41
17
20.048










Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
36.902
4.700


G2
4
−5.951
6.877


G3
11
9.729
5.630


G4
17
20.048
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.076
−2.947


G2
0.660
−4.219


G3
−3.454
−4.963


G4
1.776
−0.001










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.220
−0.340


G3
−0.894
−1.862


G4
0.702
0.734














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.958
−0.848


G3
−2.270
−2.392


G4
0.732
0.678










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.303



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 0.999



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.324



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.593



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.211



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.109



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 25.89



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −5.39



Condition (11)



(ASP22c × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o − ASP22i): 15.0



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.014










Embodiment 3
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 3 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 9 to 12. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system and the movement of each of the lens groups in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiments 1 and 2, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiments 1 and 2 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 10A-10D, 10E-10H, and 10I-10L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 9. FIGS. 11A-11D, 11E-11H, and 11I-11L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 9. FIGS. 12A-12D, 12E-12H, and 12I-12L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 9.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 3


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


 1
20.8017
0.9000
1.92286
20.88
9.600


 2
16.6932
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.105


 3*
−319.7700
D3


8.850


 4
46.1252
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.473


 5
6.4033
3.4783


4.828


 6*
311235.9057
0.7000
1.74250
49.27
4.567


 7*
7.1050
0.5292
1.63387
23.38
4.481


 8*
13.6297
0.3000


4.478


 9
11.9340
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.523


10
22.8900
D10


4.700


11 (Stop)
∞
−0.1000 


2.320


12*
6.2026
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.390


13*
−14.1286
0.1400


2.339


14
7.1625
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.259


15
−10.2598
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.015


16
3.8991
D16


1.850


17*
63517.1399
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.676


18*
−11.1448
D18


4.855


19
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.269


20
∞
0.5000


4.251


21
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.205


22
∞
0.4100


4.175


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−319.770
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





8.22246e−06
−7.65080e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
311235.906
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−1.65912e−03
2.92159e−05
−1.86409e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
7.105
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−2.62854e−03
3.59697e−05
−3.84445e−08












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
13.630
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−1.55353e−03
3.59697e−05
−3.84445e−08












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
6.203
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−4.28096e−04
−1.14287e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−14.129
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





4.52974e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
63517.140
0.000










Aspherical coeficients










A4
A6







4.15743e−06
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−11.145
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−5.47643e−05
−1.45284e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.532













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





Focal length
5.096
17.165


F-number
3.253
5.438


Total angle of view
75.467
25.600


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
44.927
55.669


Back focus
5.972
5.332


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
0.300
8.940


D10
14.832
6.916


D16
3.175
13.833


D18
4.535
3.895


The radius of stop
2.320
2.320


Entrance pupil position
12.368
31.903


Exit pupil position
−11.509
−130.799


Position of front principal
15.979
46.904


point


Position of rear principal point
−4.686
−16.755














Position in which




the focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.771
50.785


F-number
6.300
6.142


Total angle of view
7.667
8.870


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.757
65.465


Back focus
5.360
5.956


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
20.406
19.550


D10
1.600
2.281


D16
17.742
17.031


D18
3.922
4.518


The radius of stop
2.320
2.320


Entrance pupil position
105.916
96.660


Exit pupil position
459.647
1520.706


Position of front principal
172.290
149.148


point


Position of rear principal point
−58.361
−44.830










Single lens data









Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length





L11
1
−102.343


L12
2
26.911


L21
4
−8.501


L22
6
−9.569


L23
7
22.700


L24
9
25.053


L31
12
7.752


L32
14
8.802


L33
15
−4.562


L41
17
20.996










Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
37.510
4.700


G2
4
−6.453
7.597


G3
11
10.316
5.630


G4
17
20.996
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.148
−3.013


G2
1.257
−4.124


G3
−3.430
−5.056


G4
1.777
−0.000










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.244
−0.362


G3
−0.779
−1.696


G4
0.716
0.746














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−1.011
−0.892


G3
−2.080
−2.119


G4
0.745
0.716










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.292



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 1.000



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.302



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.889



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.375



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.109



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 25.89



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −1.52



Condition (11)



(ASP22o × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o + ASP22i): 25.7



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.014










Embodiment 4
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 4 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 13 to 16. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system and the movement of each of the lens groups in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiments 1 to 3, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiments 1 to 3 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 13C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 14A-14D, 14E-14H, and 14I-14L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 13. FIGS. 15A-15D, 15E-15H, and 15I-15L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 13. FIGS. 16A-16D, 16E-16H, and 16I-16L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 13.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 4


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface







No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective-radius





Object
∞
∞


plane


 1
20.4547
0.9000
1.92286
20.88
9.600


 2
16.3748
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.114


 3*
−303.0106
D3


8.850


 4
37.0720
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.242


 5
5.8165
3.3069


4.524


 6*
12019.2977
0.7000
1.69350
53.21
4.273


 7*
6.1926
0.7000
1.63387
23.38
4.165


 8*
12.9491
0.3000


4.159


 9
11.2636
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.183


10
18.5001
D10


4.700


11 (Stop)
∞
−0.1000 


2.290


12*
6.1785
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.361


13*
−11.1135
0.1400


2.330


14
8.1838
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.242


15
−7.7822
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.008


16
4.0990
D16


1.850


17*
63697.7428
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.679


18*
−11.1066
D18


4.853


19
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.260


20
∞
0.5000


4.242


21
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.196


22
∞
0.4000


4.165


Image
∞


plane










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−303.011
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





8.68825e−06
−7.65080e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
12019.298
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−1.95119e−03
2.58482e−05
7.62847e−08













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
6.193
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−3.26104e−03
3.69617e−05
2.40345e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
12.949
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−1.88857e−03
3.69617e−05
2.40345e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
6.178
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−6.14264e−04
−1.17654e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−11.113
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





4.27589e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
63697.743
0.000










Aspherical coeficients










A4
A6







1.70710e−05
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−11.107
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−3.71076e−05
−1.65799e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.514













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





Focal length
5.102
17.151


F-number
3.252
5.432


Total angle of view
75.411
25.621


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
43.094
55.284


Back focus
5.972
5.344


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
0.300
9.226


D10
13.010
6.255


D16
3.165
13.812


D18
4.545
3.916


The radius of stop
2.290
2.290


Entrance pupil position
11.786
32.432


Exit pupil position
−11.583
−134.232


Position of front principal
15.405
47.476


point


Position of rear principal point
−4.702
−16.751














Position in which




the focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.740
50.824


F-number
6.300
6.167


Total angle of view
7.674
8.871


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.746
65.462


Back focus
5.364
5.908


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
20.410
19.557


D10
1.597
2.204


D16
17.728
17.146


D18
3.937
4.480


The radius of stop
2.290
2.290


Entrance pupil position
109.557
99.295


Exit pupil position
421.087
876.434


Position of front principal
176.597
153.086


point


Position of rear principal point
−58.340
−44.916










Single lens data









Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length





L11
1
−99.490


L12
2
26.358


L21
4
−7.908


L22
6
−8.934


L23
7
18.000


L24
9
27.891


L31
12
7.223


L32
14
8.353


L33
15
−4.326


L41
17
20.925










Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
36.855
4.700


G2
4
−5.952
7.597


G3
11
9.777
5.630


G4
17
20.925
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.141
−3.007


G2
1.298
−3.952


G3
−3.062
−4.845


G4
1.777
−0.000










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.226
−0.343


G3
−0.856
−1.824


G4
0.715
0.745














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.962
−0.845


G3
−2.228
−2.273


G4
0.744
0.718










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.292



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 1.000



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.296



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.885



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.440



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.060



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 29.83



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −4.52



Condition (11)



(ASP22c × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o + ASP22i): 29.1



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.014










Embodiment 5
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 5 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 17 to 20. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system and the movement of each of the lens groups except the fourth lens group in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiments 1 to 4, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiments 1 to 4 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 18A-18D, 18E-18H, and 18I-18L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 17. FIGS. 19A-19D, 19E-19H, and 19I-19L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 17. FIGS. 20A-20D, 20E-20H, and 20I-20L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 17.
First, the movement of each of the lens groups in the zoom optical system of the present embodiment in changing a magnification will be explained.
In changing a magnification from the wide-angle end position to the telephoto end position, the first lens group G1 moves toward the object side. The second lens group G2 reciprocates on the optical axis Lc in such a way that the second lens group G2 first moves toward the object side and then moves toward the image side, with the distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 being widened. The third lens group G3, together with the aperture stop S, moves toward the object side on the optical axis Lc, with the distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 being narrowed. The fourth lens group G4 does not move.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 5


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


 1
19.9393
0.9000
1.94595
17.98
9.600


 2
16.5045
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.130


 3*
−1023.5356
D3


8.850


 4
57.8193
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.346


 5
6.0512
3.0813


4.657


 6*
13937.0727
0.7000
1.69350
53.21
4.504


 7*
6.0041
0.8500
1.63387
23.38
4.369


 8*
12.3693
0.3000


4.353


 9
10.9029
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.389


10
19.3733
D10


4.700


11
∞
−0.1000 


2.306


(Stop)


 12*
5.9431
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.398


 13*
−14.3881
0.1400


2.358


14
6.3074
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.276


15
−8.0245
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.038


16
3.6314
D16


1.850


 17*
34988.2749
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.895


 18*
−10.5779
D18


5.037


19
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.296


20
∞
0.5000


4.271


21
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.208


22
∞
0.4100


4.170


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−1023.536
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





8.35195e−06
−2.29098e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
13937.073
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−1.37173e−03
3.18973e−05
−4.05423e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
6.004
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−2.83242e−03
3.83610e−05
−3.39659e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
12.369
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−1.33210e−03
3.83610e−05
−3.39659e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
5.943
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−4.24607e−04
−1.37556e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−14.388
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





4.80281e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
34988.275
0.000










Aspherical coeficients










A4
A6







1.15108e−04
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−10.578
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





6.41007e−05
−2.25212e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.585













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





Focal length
5.083
17.168


F-number
3.245
5.407


Total angle of view
75.649
25.822


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
43.015
54.979


Back focus
5.593
5.597


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
0.300
9.193


D10
13.255
6.212


D16
3.296
13.406


D18
4.160
4.160


The radius of stop
2.306
2.306


Entrance pupil position
11.700
32.120


Exit pupil position
−12.003
−150.773


Position of front principal
15.314
47.403


point


Position of rear principal point
−4.677
−16.758














Position in which




the focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.893
50.830


F-number
6.300
6.285


Total angle of view
7.762
9.004


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.792
65.522


Back focus
5.601
5.597


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
20.456
19.485


D10
1.598
2.378


D16
17.565
17.491


D18
4.160
4.160


The radius of stop
2.306
2.306


Entrance pupil position
109.109
97.896


Exit pupil position
236.494
245.574


Position of front principal
183.024
159.493


point


Position of rear principal point
−58.479
−45.233










Single lens data









Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length





L11
1
−116.070


L12
2
27.474


L21
4
−7.710


L22
6
−8.662


L23
7
17.500


L24
9
24.533


L31
12
7.564


L32
14
7.429


L33
15
−4.028


L41
17
19.926










Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
37.042
4.700


G2
4
−5.985
7.521


G3
11
9.669
5.630


G4
17
19.926
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.306
−3.153


G2
1.170
−4.008


G3
−3.461
−4.967


G4
1.776
−0.001










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.226
−0.341


G3
−0.843
−1.889


G4
0.719
0.719














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.953
−0.826


G3
−2.320
−2.312


G4
0.719
0.719










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.290



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 0.999



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.307



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.891



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.315



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.060



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 29.83



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −6.75



Condition (11)



(ASP22c × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o + ASP22i): 41.8



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.000










Embodiment 6
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 6 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 21 to 24. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system except the third lens group and the movement of each of the lens groups in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiments 1 to 5, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiments 1 to 5 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 22A-22D, 22E-22H, and 22I-22L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 21. FIGS. 23A-23D, 23E-23H, and 23I-23L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 21. FIGS. 24A-24D, 24E-24H, and 24I-24L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 21.
First, the optical constitution of the zoom optical system of the present embodiment will be explained using FIG. 21. Besides, a lens shape in the explanations of aspherical lenses means the shape of aspherical lens in the vicinity of the optical axis of the light ray from the object side ahead.
The zoom optical system of the present embodiment comprises, in order from the object side, a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3, and a positive fourth lens group G4 which are arranged on the optical axis Lc. Also, an aperture stop S which moves integratedly with the third lens group G3 is provided on the object side of the third lens group G3. Besides, a low-pass filter LF, a CCD cover glass CG, and an image sensor having an imaging plane IM are arranged in that order from the object side and on the image side of the fourth lens group G4.
The first lens group G1 comprises only a positive cemented lens which consists of, in order from the object side, a lens L11 that is a negative meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, and a lens L12 that is a biconvex lens the image-side surface of which is aspherical.
The second lens group G2 comprises in order from the object side: a lens L21 which is a negative meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side; a negative cemented lens which consists of a lens L22 that is a negative meniscus lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical and the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, and a lens L23 that is a positive meniscus lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical and the convex surface of which faces toward the object side; and a lens L24 which is a positive meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side.
The third lens group G3 comprises in order from the object side: a lens L31 which is a biconvex lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical; and a negative cemented lens which consists of a lens L32 that is a biconvex lens, and a lens L33 that is a biconcave lens the image-side surface of which is aspherical.
Besides, only the most image-side surface of the cemented lens of the third lens group G3 is aspherical, so that coma, spherical aberration, and so on that occur in the third lens group G3 can be effectively corrected by this aspherical surface of the cemented lens to make coma, spherical aberration and so on small.
The fourth lens group G4 comprises only a lens L41 which is a biconvex lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 6


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


 1
20.8145
0.9000
1.92286
20.88
9.600


 2
16.5877
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.119


 3*
−225.6054
D3


8.850


 4
69.9769
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.258


 5
6.0251
3.0241


4.594


 6*
863.6638
0.7000
1.74250
49.27
4.444


 7*
6.6265
0.8451
1.63387
23.38
4.350


 8*
15.2235
0.3000


4.345


 9
11.6966
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.378


10
21.5616
D10


4.700


11
∞
−0.1000 


2.310


(Stop)


 12*
6.0023
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.395


 13*
−13.8703
0.1400


2.353


14
7.1798
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.266


15
−8.1988
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.025


 16*
3.9435
D16


1.850


 17*
104006.0363
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.733


 18*
−10.9002
D18


4.907


19
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.296


20
∞
0.5000


4.273


21
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.222


22
∞
0.4100


4.190


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−225.605
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





8.62567e−06
−7.65080e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
863.664
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−1.23855e−03
1.19059e−05
1.01518e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
6.627
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−2.20526e−03
1.46140e−05
3.55363e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
15.223
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−1.17262e−03
1.46140e−05
3.55363e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
6.002
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−5.17903e−04
−2.08079e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−13.870
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





1.94464e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





16
3.943
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





5.34119e−04
2.65221e−05
5.33697e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
104006.036
0.000










Aspherical coeficients










A4
A6







−2.41581e−06
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−10.900
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−5.48318e−05
−1.48866e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.559













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





Focal length
5.086
17.164


F-number
3.258
5.440


Total angle of view
75.577
25.530


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
43.194
55.494


Back focus
5.988
5.332


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
0.300
9.415


D10
13.237
6.404


D16
3.160
13.833


D18
4.550
3.895


The radius of stop
2.310
2.310


Entrance pupil position
11.454
32.426


Exit pupil position
−11.606
−151.781


Position of front principal
15.070
47.715


point


Position of rear principal point
−4.676
−16.754














Position in which




the focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.787
50.691


F-number
6.300
6.226


Total angle of view
7.660
8.878


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.760
65.454


Back focus
5.350
5.499


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
20.551
19.652


D10
1.597
2.361


D16
17.752
17.433


D18
3.912
4.061


The radius of stop
2.310
2.310


Entrance pupil position
108.965
98.582


Exit pupil position
307.214
386.524


Position of front principal
179.200
156.017


point


Position of rear principal point
−58.377
−45.193










Single lens data









Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length





L11
1
−98.586


L12
2
26.253


L21
4
−7.510


L22
6
−8.997


L23
7
17.832


L24
9
25.482


L31
12
7.545


L32
14
8.028


L33
15
−4.292


L41
17
20.537










Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
36.738
4.700


G2
4
−6.040
7.459


G3
11
9.895
5.630


G4
17
20.537
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.066
−2.938


G2
1.050
−4.130


G3
−3.312
−4.960


G4
1.777
−0.000










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.229
−0.349


G3
−0.854
−1.807


G4
0.708
0.740














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.981
−0.856


G3
−2.206
−2.202


G4
0.739
0.732










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.293



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 1.000



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.313



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.835



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.295



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.109



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 25.89



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −3.66



Condition (11)



(ASP22c × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o + ASP22i): 27.5



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.015










Embodiment 7
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 7 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 25 to 28. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system and the movement of each of the lens groups in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiments 1 to 6, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiments 1 to 6 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 26A-26D, 26E-26H, and 26I-26L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 25. FIGS. 27A-27D, 27E-27H, and 27I-27L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 25. FIGS. 28A-28D, 28E-28H, and 28I-28L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 25.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 7


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


1
19.8397
0.9000
1.94595
17.98
9.600


2
16.4175
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.126


 3*
−1225.7535
D3


8.850


4
105.5527
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.802


5
6.4409
3.1624


5.013


 6*
5249.4851
0.7000
1.76802
49.24
4.893


 7*
6.3406
0.8500
1.72151
29.23
4.725


 8*
12.0206
0.3000


4.687


9
9.8776
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.798


10 
21.6457
D10


4.700


11 
∞
−0.1000  


2.401


(Stop)


12*
5.9463
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.482


13*
−16.1041
0.1400


2.395


14 
6.7027
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.299


15 
−8.0019
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.048


16 
3.6794
D16


1.850


17*
116072.0079
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.755


18*
−11.0105
D18


4.934


19 
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.278


20 
∞
0.5000


4.257


21 
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.206


22 
∞
0.3900


4.172


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−1225.754
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





8.21105e−06
−2.71619e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
5249.485
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−5.04493e−04
1.29174e−05
−2.29383e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
6.341
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−2.07755e−03
1.23964e−05
−4.35883e−08












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
12.021
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−4.31903e−04
1.23964e−05
−4.35883e−08












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





12
5.946
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−4.13390e−04
−1.55189e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
−16.104
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





3.77763e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





17
116072.008
0.000










Aspherical coeficients










A4
A6







−1.50949e−05
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
−11.010
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−5.38393e−05
−2.22443e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.579















Wide-angle





end position
Middle position







Focal length
5.086
17.107



F-number
3.206
5.505



Total angle of view
75.610
25.781



Image height
3.830
3.830



Total length of lens
45.589
55.703



Back focus
5.924
5.318



The distance from object
∞
∞



D3
0.300
8.174



D10
15.568
7.186



D16
3.145
14.373



D18
4.506
3.900



The radius of stop
2.401
2.401



Entrance pupil position
12.214
29.417



Exit pupil position
−11.340
−176.189



Position of front principal point
15.802
44.963



Position of rear principal point
−4.696
−16.780















Position in which the




focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.890
50.691


F-number
6.300
6.226


Total angle of view
7.681
8.904


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.728
65.498


Back focus
5.284
6.027


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
19.938
19.085


D10
1.780
2.437


D16
18.074
17.296


D18
3.866
4.609


The radius of stop
2.401
2.401


Entrance pupil position
103.017
93.783


Exit pupil position
304.743
603.766


Position of front principal point
173.488
148.970


Position of rear principal point
−58.500
−44.833










Single lens data











Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length







L11
1
−115.366



L12
2
27.396



L21
4
−7.798



L22
6
−8.266



L23
7
17.500



L24
9
18.348



L31
12
7.771



L32
14
7.664



L33
15
−4.061



L41
17
20.745











Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
36.985
4.700


G2
4
−6.559
7.602


G3
11
10.483
5.630


G4
17
20.745
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.317
−3.164


G2
0.961
−4.368


G3
−3.928
−5.267


G4
1.777
−0.000










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.252
−0.362


G3
−0.763
−1.725


G4
0.714
0.744














Position in which




the focal length is ten times as large as



Telephoto end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−1.031
−0.909


G3
−2.072
−2.132


G4
0.745
0.709










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.285



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 1.000



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.286



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.944



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.425



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.047



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 20.01



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −1.29



Condition (11)



(ASP22c × |Δνd22|)/(ASP22o + ASP22i): 83.6



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.014










Embodiment 8
The zoom optical system according to the embodiment 8 will be explained below in detail using FIGS. 29 to 31. Besides, because the optical constitution of the zoom optical system except the second lens group and the movement of each of the lens groups in changing a magnification in the present embodiment are approximately the same as those in the embodiments 1 to 6, components in the present embodiment which have approximately the same constitutions as components in the embodiments 1 to 6 have are given the same reference numeral respectively, and the detailed explanation of those components is omitted.
Besides, FIGS. 29A, 29B, and 29C are sectional views showing optical constitutions, developed along the optical axis, in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite object point focusing of the zoom optical system according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 30A-30D, 30E-30H, and 30I-30L are diagrams showing aberration characteristics in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 29. FIGS. 31A-31D, 31E-31H, and 31I-31L are diagrams showing coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 29. FIGS. 32A-32D, 32E-32H, and 32I-32L are diagrams showing lateral coma in the wide-angle end, middle, and telephoto end positions, respectively, in infinite objective point focusing of the zoom optical system shown in FIG. 29.
First, the optical constitution of the second lens group of the zoom optical system of the present embodiment will be explained using FIG. 29. Besides, a lens shape in the explanations of aspherical lenses means the shape of aspherical lens in the vicinity of the optical axis of the light ray from the object side ahead.
The second lens group G2 of the zoom optical system of the present embodiment comprises, in order from the object side, a lens L21 which is a negative meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, a lens L22 which is a negative meniscus lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical and the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, a lens L23 which is a positive meniscus lens the both surfaces of which are aspherical and the convex surface of which faces toward the object side, and a lens L24 which is a positive meniscus lens the convex surface of which faces toward the object side.
The numerical value data to lenses constituting the zoom optical system of the present embodiment are as follows:










Numerical value data 8


Unit: millimeter (mm)







Surface data












Surface No.
r
d
nd
νd
Effective radius





Object plane
∞
∞


1
19.8964
0.9000
1.94595
17.98
9.600


2
16.5301
3.8000
1.59201
67.02
9.132


 3*
−1470.7525
D3


8.850


4
89.7363
0.8000
1.88300
40.76
6.683


5
6.4923
3.0472


4.950


 6*
3533.2262
0.7000
1.77377
47.17
4.821


 7*
6.4369
0.2000


4.733


 8*
6.5171
0.8500
1.72151
29.23
4.744


 9*
12.7331
0.3000


4.740


10 
9.7949
1.7900
1.92286
18.90
4.860


11 
18.3686
D11


4.700


12 
∞
−0.1000  


2.382


(Stop)


13*
5.9399
3.3200
1.59201
67.02
2.473


14*
−16.8713
0.1400


2.387


15 
6.5405
1.8800
1.49700
81.54
2.297


16 
−8.4790
0.3900
1.61293
37.00
2.045


17 
3.6221
D17


1.850


18*
126339.7743
2.7200
1.53071
55.69
4.743


19*
−10.9935
D19


4.919


20 
∞
0.3000
1.51633
64.14
4.272


21 
∞
0.5000


4.252


22 
∞
0.5000
1.51633
64.14
4.201


23 
∞
0.4100


4.167


Image plane
∞










Aspherical surface data









Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





3
−1470.752
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





8.34805e−06
−2.36501e−09
−7.49370e−12













A10
A12







2.26300e−13
−1.46640e−15













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





6
3533.226
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−1.21192e−04
−2.12253e−05
2.33239e−07













A10
A12







1.18290e−08
−2.17830e−10













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





7
6.437
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−1.79232e−03
−2.61352e−05
6.28232e−07












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





8
6.517
0.000










Aspherical coeficient


A4





−2.16063e−03












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





9
12.733
0.000










Aspherical coeficient


A4





−4.97586e−04












Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





13
5.940
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





−3.96232e−04
−1.62403e−05
1.26882e−06













A10
A12







−1.30670e−07
4.87140e−09













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





14
−16.871
0.000










Aspherical coeficients












A4
A6
A8





3.81327e−04
−1.08520e−05
2.13300e−06













A10
A12







−2.60270e−07
1.08720e−08













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





18
126339.774
0.000










Aspherical coeficients










A4
A6







1.00640e−05
−8.57460e−07













Surface No.
Radius of curvature
Conic constant


s
r
k





19
−10.993
0.000










Aspherical coeficients









A4
A6
A8





−3.00176e−05
−2.64213e−06
1.10000e−08










Various data


Zoom ratio: 11.579















Wide-angle





end position
Middle position







Focal length
5.086
17.170



F-number
3.251
5.452



Total angle of view
75.619
25.700



Image height
3.830
3.830



Total length of lens
45.787
56.159



Back focus
5.980
5.332



The distance from object
∞
∞



D3
0.300
8.860



D11
15.630
7.390



D17
3.139
13.840



D19
4.542
3.894



The radius of stop
2.382
2.382



Entrance pupil position
12.221
31.797



Exit pupil position
−11.311
−138.373



Position of front principal point
15.811
46.916



Position of rear principal point
−4.676
−16.760















Position in which the




focal length is ten times



Telephoto
as large as that in the



end position
wide-angle end position





Focal length
58.890
50.691


F-number
6.300
6.226


Total angle of view
7.698
8.920


Image height
3.830
3.830


Total length of lens
65.731
65.507


Back focus
5.317
5.980


The distance from object
∞
∞


D3
20.143
19.305


D11
1.796
2.493


D17
17.739
16.991


D19
3.879
4.542


The radius of stop
2.382
2.382


Entrance pupil position
105.762
96.495


Exit pupil position
377.555
964.162


Position of front principal point
173.968
150.060


Position of rear principal point
−58.480
−44.882










Single lens data











Single lens
Object-side surface of lens
Focal length







L11
1
−118.713



L12
2
27.638



L21
4
−7.962



L22
6
−8.335



L23
8
17.500



L24
10
20.668



L31
13
7.845



L32
15
7.751



L33
16
−4.091



L41
18
20.713











Zoom lens group data














Object-side surface
Focal length
Total length


Lens group
of lens group
of lens group
of lens group





G1
1
37.077
4.700


G2
4
−6.568
7.687


G3
12
10.549
5.630


G4
18
20.713
2.720













Position
Position


Lens group
of front principal point
of rear principal point





G1
−0.324
−3.170


G2
0.953
−4.479


G3
−4.010
−5.305


G4
1.777
−0.000










Magnification of lens group













Wide-angle end position
Middle position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−0.252
−0.375


G3
−0.766
−1.664


G4
0.711
0.743














Position in which



Telephoto
the focal length is ten times as large as



end position
that in the wide-angle end position





G1
0.000
0.000


G2
−1.052
−0.928


G3
−2.031
−2.079


G4
0.743
0.711










Data regarding the above conditions












Condition (1)



ΔDw−w10/Lt: 0.288



Conditions (2), (3)



SFG4 = (rG4o + rG4i)/(rG4o − rG4i): 1.000



Conditions (4), (5)



SFG1o−G4i = (rG1o + rG4i)/(rG1o − rG4i): 0.288



Condition (6)



φG2n2/φG2n1: 0.955



Condition (7)



|φG2p2/φG2n1|: 0.385



Condition (8)



ndG2n2 − ndG2p1: 0.052



Condition (9)



νdG2n2 − νdG2p1: 17.94



Condition (10)



ΔVG2w−m/ΔVG2m−t: −1.06



Condition (12)



|ΔVG4w−t/fw|: 0.014










Besides, in the above-described embodiments 1 to 7, the lens L23 which is constitutes the negative cemented lens of the second lens group G2 and is a positive meniscus lens may be made of glass material or resin material.
In the case where glass materials are used for the lens L23, there are much more kinds of glass materials than those of resin materials, and it is possible to select a combination of materials from more combinations of grass materials for the positive and negative lenses constituting the negative cemented lens than those of resin materials for the positive and negative lenses constituting the negative cemented lens, so that a more optimum optical performance can be obtained in the present invention. In addition, the changes of the optical characteristics with respect to variations in temperature and humidity are small in this case, so that it is possible to obtain an optical system the performance of which is hard to deteriorate by a change of the environment.
On the other hand, in the case where resin materials are used for the lens L23, it is possible to form the lens L23 on the image side of the lens L22 which is a negative meniscus lens constituting the negative cemented lens, by direct forming (Such a lens is called compound lens).
Such a direct forming is performed in such a way that one lens is formed by applying or discharging liquid resin to or on the other lens and hardening the liquid resin, so that the middle part or edge of a cemented lens can be made to have a much thinner thickness in this case than in the case where lenses for a cemented lens are made separately. As a result, a cemented lens which is made by direct forming can have the thickness of almost one lens.
Accordingly, when resin materials are used for the lens L23, it is possible to shorten the total length of the optical system in the both states of the optical system retracting and not retracting.
In addition, resin materials also have the advantages of having lighter weights and lower costs than those of glass materials.
Besides, it is preferred that energy curable resins and so on are used as a resin material for direct forming. The use of an energy curable resin makes it possible to easily make a compound lens by merely pressing the resin through a mold to give the mold energy after applying or discharging the resin to or on a lens.
Also, any kinds of energy curable resins, such as thermosetting resin and UV-curable resin, may be used in this case. In particular, it is preferred that UV-curable resins are used for direct forming. The use of an UV-curable resin makes it possible to harden the resin without heating the resin, so that materials having low heat resistance, such as plastic, can be used for a lens which is a substrate. In addition, a lens-forming apparatus can be also downsized.
Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, it is preferred that the lens L41, which constitutes the fourth lens group G4 and is a biconvex lens the both surface of which is aspherical, is made of resin material.
In general, the fourth lens group G4 which is the last lens group is often made to function as a lens group for focusing. In this case, the fourth lens group G4 must be moved frequently. And, when such a focusing lens group has a light weight, a motor also can be downsized and also have low power consumption.
Accordingly, it is preferred that the lens L41 constituting the fourth lens group G4 is made of resin material which is lighter than glass material.
In addition, the optical systems in the above-described embodiments are formed as a zoom optical system. However, these optical systems may be used as a single-focus optical system.
Also, the zoom optical systems of the present embodiments may be formed as described below.
A flare stop, together with an aperture stop, may be arranged in the zoom optical system of each of the present embodiments in order to cut a harmful light beam which causes ghost, flare, or the like. Besides, a flare stop may be arranged on the object side of the first lens group, between the first and second lens groups, between the second and third lens groups, between the third and fourth lens groups, or between the fourth lens group and the imaging plane. Also, a flare stop may be made with a frame member or another member. In addition, a flare stop may be formed by printing the flare stop directly on an optical member, or a flare stop may be formed with paint or adhesive seal. Also, a flare stop may have any shape, for example, circular shape, elliptic shape, rectangular shape, shape of polygon, or shape surrounded by a function curve. Also, a flare stop may be formed in such a way that the flare stop cuts not only the harmful light beam but also a light beam which causes coma flare in the periphery of a screen.
Also, each of lenses for the zoom optical systems of the present embodiments may be given an antireflection coat to reduce ghost and flare. In this case, it is desired that each lens of the zoom optical system is given multi-coating as antireflection coat in order to reduce ghost and flare more effectively. Also, an infrared cut coat may be given not to a low-pass filter, but to the surfaces of each lens, a cover glass, and so on.
Besides, in a lens which is used as a simple element, an antireflection coat is commonly given to a lens surface which is in contact with air in order to prevent the occurrence of ghost and flare. On the other hand, in a cemented lens, the higher a refractive index of a cement on the cemented surface of a cemented lens is, the more seldom the cemented surface of the cemented lens is particularly given an antireflection coat because the layer which is formed by the cement plays the same role as an antireflection coat having a reflectance which is as high as or lower than that of a single layer coat. However, if the cemented surface of the cemented lens also is positively given an antireflective coat, ghost and flare can be reduced more and a better image can be obtained.
In particular, high refractive index grass materials by which the high effect of correction for aberration is obtained have been popularized in recent years and have come to be often used also in optical systems for cameras. However, when the high refractive index glass material is used for the cemented lens, reflection on the cemented surface also ceases to be negligible. In this case, the application of the antireflection coat to the cemented surface is particularly effective.
Such effective use of the coat of the cemented surface is disclosed in each of Japanese patent Kokai Nos. Hei 2-27301, 2001-324676, 2005-92115 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,116,482. It is only necessary that relatively high refractive index coating substances, such as Ta2O5, TiO2, Nb2O5, ZrO2, HfO2, CeO2, SnO2, In2O3, ZnO, and Y2O3, or relatively low refractive index coating substances, such as MgF2, SiO2, and Al2O, are properly selected as a coating material in accordance with the refractive index of a lens as a substrate and the refractive index of the cement and is set to a film thickness so as to satisfy a phase condition.
Also, as a matter of course, the coat of the cemented surface, like the coating on a lens surface which is in contact with air, may be formed as a multi-coat. In this case, a proper combination of coat material and film thickness in a coat having two or more films makes it possible to reduce reflectance more and to control the spectral characteristic and the angular characteristic of the reflectance.
Also, in the zoom optical systems of the present embodiments, it is preferred that focusing is performed by the fourth lens group for the sake of a focus adjustment. However, the focusing may be performed by one of the first, second, and third lens groups or by two or more lens groups. Also, the focusing may be performed by moving the whole of the zoom lens or by moving a part of the lenses in the zoom optical system.
Also, in the zoom optical systems of the present embodiments, the deterioration of brightness in the periphery of an image may be reduced by shifting a microlens of a CCD. For example, a design of the microlens of the CCD may be changed so as to be suited to the angle of incidence of light ray in each image height. In addition, the decreased amount of brightness in the periphery of an image may be corrected by imaging process.
The zoom optical systems according to the present embodiments as described above are available for shooting apparatuses in which an object image which is formed by the zoom optical systems is formed on an image sensor like a CCD to perform shooting, in particular, such as digital camera and video camera. Specific examples of the shooting apparatuses will be illustrated below.
FIGS. 33, 34, and 35 are schematic views showing the constitution of a digital camera with the zoom optical system of one of the present embodiments. FIG. 33 is a front perspective view showing the external appearance of the digital camera, FIG. 34 is a back view showing the digital camera shown in FIG. 33, FIG. 35 is a perspective plan view schematically showing the constitution of the digital camera shown in FIG. 33. FIGS. 33 and 35 show the state of the zoom lens not retracting.
A digital camera 10 is provided with: a zoom optical system 11 which is arranged on an optical path 12 for shooting; a finder optical system 13 which is arranged on an optical path 14 for finder; a shutter button 15; a flash-light emitting section 16; a liquid crystal display monitor 17; a focal-length changing button 18; a setting-changing switch 19; and so on. In addition, the digital camera 10 is formed in such a way that a cover 20 slides to cover the zoom lens 11 and the finder optical system 13 in the state of the zoom lens 11 retracting.
When the cover 20 is opened and the digital camera 10 is set to a shooting mode, the zoom lens 11 has a state of the zoom lens 11 not retracting, as shown in FIG. 32. When the shutter button 15, which is arranged on the upper portion of the digital camera 10, is pressed in this state, shooting is performed in response to the operation of the press of the shutter button 15, through the zoom lens 11 like the zoom optical system 11 which is described in the embodiment 1 for example. An object image is formed on the imaging plane IM of a solid state image sensor through the zoom optical system 11, the low-pass filter LF, and the cover glass CG. Solid state image sensors for the present invention include CCD and CMOS. However, solid state image sensors are not in particular limited to CCD and CMOS in the present invention. The image information of the object image which is formed on the imaging plane IM of the solid state image sensor is recorded on a recording means 22 through a processing means 21. Also, the recorded image information can be also taken by the processing means 21 to be displayed as an electronic image on the liquid crystal display monitor 17 which is provided on the rear of the digital camera. Besides, the recording means 22 and the processing means 21 may be provided for the digital camera 10 separately from each other, or image information to be recorded may be electronically or magnetically written to a floppy disc, a memory card, MO, or the like. Also, the camera 10 may be formed as a film-based camera which is provided with a silver halide film instead of solid state image sensor.
In addition, a finder objective optical system 23 is arranged on the optical path 14 for finder. The finder objective optical system 23 consists of a plurality of lens groups (three lens groups in FIG. 35) and two prisms, and the focal length of the finder objective optical system 23 changes in response to the operation of the zoom optical system 11. The finder objective optical system 23 forms an object image on a bright frame 25 for an image erecting prism 24 that is an image-erecting member. And, an eyepiece optical system 26 which leads an erect image to an eyeball E of an observer is arranged at the rear of the image electing prism 24. Besides, a cover member 27 is arranged on the exit side of the eyepiece optical system 26.
In the digital camera 10 having such a constitution, because the zoom optical system 11 has a high variable magnification ratio and a small size and can be contained by the digital camera by retracting the zoom optical system 11, it is possible to secure good performance and to achieve the downsizing of the digital camera 10.

## Claims

1. A zoom optical system constituted by a plurality of lens groups and in which magnification is changed by properly changing distances between the lens groups, wherein
a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side,
the first lens group consists of only one lens element,
the second lens group includes, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens, and
the following condition (1) is satisfied:


0.2≦ΔDw-w10/Lt≦0.35  (1)



where ΔDw-w10 denotes the variation in the distance between the first and second lens groups in changing from the wide angle end position to the position in which the focal length is ten times or more as large as that in the wide angle end position, and Lt denotes the total length of the optical system in the telephoto end position.

2. A zoom optical system constituted by a plurality of lens groups and in which magnification is changed by properly changing distances between the lens groups, wherein
a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group are arranged in that order from the object side,
the most object-side surface of the first lens group has a convex shape which faces toward the object side, and
the following condition (2) is satisfied:


SFG4=(rG4o+rG4i)/(rG4o−rG4i)>0  (2)



where SFG4 denotes the shape factor of the fourth lens group, rG4o denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the fourth lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

3. A zoom optical system according to claim 2, wherein the following condition (3) is satisfied:


0.2≦SFG4≦5.0  (3).

4. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the third lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a positive single lens and a cemented lens that consists of a positive lens and a negative lens.

5. A zoom optical system according to claim 2, wherein the first lens group consists of only one lens element.

6. A zoom optical system according to claim 2, wherein the following conditions (4) and (5) are satisfied:


SFG1o-G4i=(rG1o+rG4i)/(rG1o−rG4i)  (4)



0≦SFG1o-G4i≦0.4  (5)


where SFG1o-G4i denotes the shape factor for the most object-side surface of the first lens group and the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group, rG1o denotes the radius of curvature of the most object-side surface of the first lens group, and rG4i denotes the radius of curvature of the most image-side surface of the fourth lens group.

7. A zoom optical system according to claim 2, wherein the second lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a negative single lens, a negative cemented lens, and a positive single lens.

8. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens, and the following condition (6) is satisfied:


0.1≦φG2n2/φG2n1≦1.0  (6)


where φG2n2 denotes the refractive power of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group, and φG2n1 denotes the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.

9. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (7) is satisfied:


0.15≦|φG2p2/φG2n1|≦0.45  (7)


where φG2p2 denotes the refractive power of the positive single lens in the second lens group, and φG2n1 denotes the refractive power of the negative single lens in the second lens group.

10. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens, and the following condition (8) is satisfied:


0.05≦ndG2n2−ndG2p1≦0.2  (8)


where ndG2n2 denotes the refractive index of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line, and ndG2p1 denotes the refractive index of the positive lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line.

11. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the cemented lens of the second lens group consists of a negative lens and a positive lens, and the following condition (9) is satisfied:


20≦νdG2n2−νdG2p1≦50  (9)


where νdG2n2 denotes the Abbe's number of the negative lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line, and νdG2p1 denotes the Abbe's number of the positive lens of the cemented lens in the second lens group at d line.

12. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein when fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, ft denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the telephoto end position, and √(fw×ft) denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the middle position, the position of the second lens group in the middle position is nearer to the object side than the positions of the second lens group in the wide angle end position and the telephoto end position.

13. A zoom optical system according to claim 12, wherein the following condition (10) is satisfied:


−7.0≦ΔVG2w-m/ΔVG2m-t≦−1.2  (10)


where ΔVG2w-m=|VG2m−VG2w| and ΔVG2m-t=|VG2t−VG2m|, VG2w denotes the position of the second lens group in the wide angle end position, VG2m denotes the position of the second lens group in the middle position, VG2t denotes the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position, and the signs of ΔVG2w-m and ΔVG2m-t are regarded as positive when the second lens group moves from the image side to the object side.

14. A zoom optical system according claim 1, wherein the position of the second lens group in the telephoto end position is nearer to the object side than that of the second lens group in the wide angle end position.

15. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the cemented surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group is aspherical.

16. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group are aspherical.

17. A zoom optical system according to claim 16, wherein when the direction from the object side to the image side on the optical axis is regarded as a positive direction, the aspherical quantities in the effective radiuses of all the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group have negative values.

18. A zoom optical system according to claim 16, wherein the following condition (11) is satisfied:


10≦(ASP22c×|Δνd22|)/(ASP22o+ASP22i)≦90  (11)


where ASP22c denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the cemented surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group, Δνd22 denotes the difference between the Abbe's numbers of the two lenses which form the cemented lens of the second lens group, ASP22o denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the object-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group, and ASP22i denotes the aspherical quantity in the effective radius of the image-side surface of the cemented lens in the second lens group, wherein the effective radius is the smallest of the effective radiuses of the surfaces of the cemented lens in the second lens group.

19. A zoom optical system according to claim 2, wherein the fourth lens group consists of only one lens element.

20. A zoom optical system according to claim 19, wherein the fourth lens group consists of only one positive single lens.

21. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the following condition (12) is satisfied:


0≦|ΔVG4w-t/fw|≦0.1  (12)


where ΔVG4w-t=|VG4t−VG4w|, VG4w denotes the position of the fourth lens group in the wide angle end position, VG4t denotes the position of the fourth lens group in the telephoto end position, fw denotes the focal length of the whole of the optical system in the wide angle end position, and the sign of ΔVG4w-t is regarded as positive when the fourth lens group moves from the image side to the object side.

22. A zoom optical system according to claim 1, wherein the fourth lens group does not move in changing a magnification from the wide angle end position to the telephoto end position.

23. An electronic pickup apparatus comprising a zoom optical system according to claim 1.