Patent Abstract:
A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group. The second and third lens groups are moved during zooming. The first lens group includes a positive first sub-lens group which does not move during a focusing operation, and a positive second sub-lens group which moves during the focusing operation. The first sub-lens group includes at least one negative lens element, the second sub-lens group is a positive single lens element, and the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 
       60&lt;νd1b&lt;75   (1), and
 
       νd1a&lt;24  (2),
 
     wherein νd1b and νd1a_designates Abbe numbers at the d-line of the positive single lens element of the second sub-lens group and at the d-line of the negative lens element within the first sub-lens group, respectively.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a zoom lens system and an electronic imaging apparatus using such a zoom lens system. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    In recent years there has been an increasing demand for zoom lens systems that are provided in electronic imaging apparatuses, such as digital cameras, etc., to be more compact (miniaturized) and to have higher optical performance. Furthermore, there has been a demand to reduce the size (miniaturize) and weight of the focusing lens group to carry out a rapid and quiet focusing operation. Furthermore, there is also an demand to attain a superior optical quality by favorably correcting various aberrations such as axis chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, etc. 
         [0003]    It is typical for a telephoto zoom lens system used in a compact digital camera to have a large f-number at the long focal length extremity due to miniaturization. However, since the aperture is small, the resolving power of the telephoto zoom lens system cannot be improved even if aberrations are favorably corrected due to the influence of diffraction. Accordingly, a zoom lens system in which aberrations are favorably corrected while having a smaller f-number is demanded; and developments have been made for meeting such demands. 
         [0004]    For example, Patent Literature Nos. 1 through 3 each disclose a zoom lens system, having four lens groups, configured of a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein the first lens group is divided into a front sub-lens group and a rear sub-lens group, and the rear sub-lens group of the first lens group serves as a focusing lens group that is moved during focusing. 
         [0005]    However, since the zoom lens system of each of Patent Literature Nos. 1 through 3 uses an extremely large number of lens elements in order to achieve a specified optical quality, the miniaturization and reduction in weight of the zoom lens system cannot be said to be sufficient. In particular, since the number or the specific gravity of lens elements that configure the rear sub-lens group (focusing lens group) of the first lens group is large, the miniaturization and reduction in weight of the focusing lens group is insufficient, so that a rapid and quiet focusing operation cannot be carried out. Furthermore, since the Abbe number setting of the lens elements that configure the front sub-lens group and the rear sub-lens group of the first lens group is unsuitable, it becomes difficult to correct various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, thereby deteriorating the optical quality. 
       CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
       [0006]    Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H06-51202 
         [0007]    Patent Literature 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-162564 
         [0008]    Patent Literature 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-85846 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0009]    The present invention has been devised with consideration to the above problems, and provides a zoom lens system having a miniaturized and reduced-in-weight focusing lens group that can carry out a rapid and quiet focusing operation while achieving a superior optical quality by favorably correcting various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, and an electronic imaging apparatus using such a zoom lens system. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0010]    According to an aspect of the present invention, a zoom lens system is provided, including a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein at least the second lens group and the third lens group are moved during zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. The first lens group includes a positive first sub-lens group which does not move during a focusing operation, and a positive second sub-lens group, serving as a focusing lens group, which moves during the focusing operation, in that order from the object side. The first sub-lens group is formed from at least one negative lens element, the second sub-lens group is formed from a positive single lens element, and the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 
         [0000]      60 21 νd1b&lt;75   (1), and
 
         [0000]      νd1a&lt;24   (2),
 
         [0000]    wherein νd1b designates the Abbe number at the d-line of the positive single lens element of the second sub-lens group, and vdla designates the Abbe number at the d-line of the at least one negative lens element within the first sub-lens group. 
         [0011]    It is desirable for the following condition (1′) to be satisfied from within the range of condition (1): 
         [0000]      68&lt;σd1b&lt;75   (1′).
 
         [0012]    It is desirable for the following condition (3) to be satisfied: 
         [0000]      1.0&lt;SP1b&lt;1.8   (3),
 
         [0000]    wherein SP1b designates the shape factor of the positive single lens element of the second sub-lens group, SP1b=(R2+R1)/(R2−R1) , R1 designates the radius of curvature of the surface on the object side of the positive single lens element of the second sub-lens group, and R2 designates the radius of curvature of the surface on the image side of the positive single lens element of the second sub-lens group. 
         [0013]    It is desirable for the following condition (3′) to be satisfied from within the range of condition (3): 
         [0000]      1.15&lt;SP1b&lt;1.55   (3′).
 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, a zoom lens system is provided, including a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein at least the second lens group and the third lens group are moved during zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. The first lens group includes a positive first sub-lens group provided with at least one negative lens element, and a positive second sub-lens group formed from a positive single lens element, in that order from the object side, and the following condition (2′) is satisfied: 
         [0000]      νd1a&lt;22.85   (2′),
 
         [0000]    wherein vdla designates the Abbe number at the d-line of the negative lens element that is positioned closest to the object side within the first sub-lens group. 
         [0015]    The second lens group can be configured of a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side, a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side, and a cemented lens including a positive lens element and a negative lens element, in that order from the object side. In such a case, it is desirable for each of the positive lens element and the negative lens element, which constitute the cemented lens of the second lens group, to have a convex surface on the object side thereof and a concave surface on the image side thereof. 
         [0016]    It is desirable for the zoom lens system of the present invention to satisfy the following conditions (4) and (5): 
         [0000]      −0.3&lt;f2/ft&lt;−0.18   (4), and
 
         [0000]      4.5&lt;TL/ST2&lt;5.5   (5),
 
         [0000]    wherein f2 designates the focal length of the second lens group, ft designates the focal length of the entire lens system at the long focal length extremity, TL designates the entire length of the lens system at the long focal length extremity (the distance between the surface closest to the object side of the first lens group and the imaging plane), and ST2 designates a movement amount of the second lens group during zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. 
         [0017]    In the zoom lens system of the present invention, it is desirable for the fourth lens group to include a third sub-lens group provided with at least one positive lens element and negative lens element, and a fourth sub-lens group provided with at least one positive lens element and negative lens element, in that order from the object side, and wherein the following condition (6) is satisfied: 
         [0000]      0.15&lt;D4/LD4&lt;0.35   (6),
 
         [0000]    wherein D4 designates an air-distance between the third sub-lens group and the fourth sub-lens group (the distance between the surface closest to the image side of the third sub-lens group to the surface closest to the object side of the fourth sub-lens group) , and LD4 designates the distance between a surface closest to the object side of the fourth lens group to a surface closest to the image side thereof. 
         [0018]    In the zoom lens system of the present invention, it is desirable for the following condition (7) is satisfied: 
         [0000]      SG1b&lt;2.8  (7),
 
         [0000]    wherein SG1b designates the specific gravity of the positive single lens element of the second sub-lens group. 
         [0019]    An electronic imaging apparatus of the present invention is provided with any of the above-described the zoom lens systems, and an imaging device which converts an image formed by the zoom lens system into electrical signals. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0020]    According to the present invention, a zoom lens system having a miniaturized and reduced-in-weight focusing lens group that can carry out a rapid and quiet focusing operation while achieving a superior optical quality by favorably correcting various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, and an electronic imaging apparatus using such a zoom lens system, are achieved. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a lens arrangement of a first numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a lens arrangement of the first numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  shows a lens arrangement of a second numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows a lens arrangement of the second numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  shows a lens arrangement of a third numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  shows a lens arrangement of the third numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  shows a lens arrangement of a fourth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  shows a lens arrangement of the fourth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  shows a lens arrangement of a fifth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0046]      FIG. 26  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 27  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 28  shows a lens arrangement of the fifth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0049]      FIG. 29  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 30  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 31  shows a lens arrangement of a sixth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system, according to the present invention, at the long focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0052]      FIG. 32  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 33  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 31 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 34  shows a lens arrangement of the sixth numerical embodiment of a zoom lens system at the short focal length extremity when focused on an object at infinity. 
           [0055]      FIG. 35  shows various aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 36  shows lateral aberrations that occurred in the lens arrangement of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 37  shows a zoom path of the zoom lens system, according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0058]    As shown in the zoom path of  FIG. 37 , the zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments is configured of a positive first lens group G 1 , a negative second lens group G 2 , a positive third lens group G 3 , and a positive fourth lens group G 4 , in that order from the object side. The first lens group G 1  is configured of a positive first sub-lens group G 1   a  and a positive second sub-lens group G 1   b , in that order from the object side. The fourth lens group G 4  is configured of a positive third sub-lens group G 4   a  and a positive fourth sub-lens group G 4   b , in that order from the object side. A diaphragm S, which is positioned between the second lens group G 2  and the third lens group G 3  moves integrally with the third lens group G 3 . ‘I’ designates the imaging plane. 
         [0059]    In this zoom lens system, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity (Wide) to the long focal length extremity (Tele), the distance between the first lens group G 1  and the second lens group G 2  increases, the distance between the second lens group G 2  and the third lens group G 3  decreases, and the distance between the third lens group G 3  and the fourth lens group G 4  decreases. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the distance between the first sub-lens group G 1   a  and the second sub-lens group G 1   b  does not change, and the distance between the third sub-lens group G 4   a  and the fourth sub-lens group G 4   b  does not change. 
         [0060]    In the illustrated embodiments, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the first lens group G 1  (the first sub-lens group G 1   a  and the second sub-lens group G 1   b ) and the fourth lens group G 4  (the third sub-lens group G 4   a  and the fourth sub-lens group G 4   b ) remain stationary relative to the image plane I (do not move in the optical axis direction). However, an embodiment is also possible in which the first lens group G 1  (the first sub-lens group G 1   a  and the second sub-lens group G 1   b ) and the fourth lens group G 4  (the third sub-lens group G 4   a  and the fourth sub-lens group G 4   b ) move in the optical axis direction upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. 
         [0061]    The second lens group G 2  monotonically moves toward the image side upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. 
         [0062]    An embodiment in which, upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the third lens group G 3  first moves toward the image side and thereafter moves by a slight amount toward the object side (resulting in movement toward the image side relative to the short focal length extremity), and an embodiment in which the third lens group G 3  monotonically moves toward the image side, are possible. 
         [0063]    The first sub-lens group G 1   a  does not move during focusing, and the second sub-lens group G 1   b  is a focusing lens group which moves during focusing. The second sub-lens group G 1   b  moves toward the object side upon focusing on an object from infinity to an object at a finite distance. 
         [0064]    In each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the first sub-lens group G 1   a  of the first lens group G 1  is configured of a cemented lens having a negative lens element  11  and a positive lens element  12 , in that order from the object side. The negative lens element  11  is formed from a high dispersion glass material (e.g., OHARA S-NPH1 of Ohara Inc.) having an Abbe number of 22.8 at the d-line. 
         [0065]    In each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the second sub-lens group G 1 b of the first lens group G 1  is configured of a positive single lens element  13 . The positive single lens element  13  is formed from a glass material (e.g., OHARA S-FSL5 of Ohara Inc.) having anomalous dispersion characteristics such that the Abbe number thereof is 70.2 at the d-line, and having a low specific gravity of 2.46. 
         [0066]    In each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the second lens group G 2  is configured of a negative lens element (negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side)  21 , a negative lens element (negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side)  22 , and a cemented lens configured of a positive lens element  23  and a negative lens element  24 , in that order from the object side. 
         [0067]    In each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the third lens group G 3  is configured of a cemented lens configured of a positive lens element  31  and a negative lens element  32 , in that order from the object side. 
         [0068]    In each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the third sub-lens group G 4   a  of the fourth lens group G 4  is configured of a positive lens element  41 , and a cemented lens configured of a positive lens element  42  and a negative lens element  43 , in that order from the object side. In each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the fourth sub-lens group G 4   b  of the fourth lens group G 4  is configured of a positive lens element  44  and a negative lens element  45 , in that order from the object side. 
         [0069]    In each zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, the first lens group G 1  and the fourth lens group G 4  are stationary relative to the image plane I during zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, while mainly the second lens group G 2  performs zooming and the third lens group G 3  compensates for image-surface fluctuations that occur during zooming. Furthermore, the first lens group G 1  is divided into the first sub-lens group G 1   a  and the second sub-lens group G 1   b ; the first sub-lens group G 1   a  is configured to be immovable during focusing, and the second sub-lens group G 1   b  is configured as a focusing lens group that moves during focusing. Accordingly, the overall length of the lens system does not change during zooming and focusing, so that a zoom lens system, in which the f-number variation is small, can be achieved. 
         [0070]    In each zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, by configuring the second lens group G 2  with a negative lens element (negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side)  21 , a negative lens element (negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side)  22 , and a cemented lens configured of a positive lens element  23  and a negative lens element  24 , in that order from the object side, coma and astigmatism can be favorably corrected over the entire zooming range so that a superior optical quality can be achieved. Furthermore, by providing a concave surface facing the image side on each of the positive lens element  23  and the negative lens element  24 , which constitute a cemented lens, coma and astigmatism can be corrected even more favorably. 
         [0071]    In each zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, the fourth lens group G 4  is configured of the positive third sub-lens group G 4   a  and the positive fourth sub-lens group G 4   b , in that order from the object side. The third sub-lens group G 4   a  is configured of two positive lens elements  41  and  42 , and one negative lens element  43 . The fourth sub-lens group G 4   b  is configured of one positive lens element  44  and one negative lens element  45 . By configuring the fourth lens group G 4  in the above manner, a minimal lens arrangement for favorably correcting spherical aberration, coma, field curvature and astigmatism can be obtained, while achieving miniaturization and reduction in weight of the lens system. 
         [0072]    Furthermore, in each zoom lens system of the illustrated embodiments, by forming the second sub-lens group G 1   b  (constituting a focusing lens group) as the positive single lens element  13 , appropriately setting the Abbe number at the d-line of the positive single lens element  13  and, in addition, by appropriately setting the Abbe number at the d-line of the negative lens element  11  provided within the first sub-lens group G 1   a , the focusing lens group can be miniaturized and reduced in weight to carry out a rapid and quiet focusing operation while successfully achieving a superior optical quality by favorably correcting various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration. 
         [0073]    Condition (1) specifies the Abbe number at the d-line of the positive single lens element  13  of the second sub-lens group G 1   b . By satisfying condition (1), the focusing lens group can be miniaturized and reduced in weight to carry out a rapid and quiet focusing operation while achieving a superior optical quality by favorably correcting various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, particularly at the long focal length extremity. 
         [0074]    If the upper limit of condition (1) is exceeded, although advantageous for correction of chromatic aberration, since only a glass material having a large specific gravity would be present, the specific gravity of the glass material forming the positive single lens element  13  becomes excessively large (would be unavoidably large), so that it becomes difficult to achieve a rapid and quiet focusing operation due to an increase in size and an increase in weight of the focusing lens group. 
         [0075]    If the lower limit of condition (1) is exceeded, it becomes difficult to correct various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, particularly at the long focal length extremity, so that the optical quality deteriorates. 
         [0076]    As described above, in each of the first through sixth numerical embodiments, the first sub-lens group G 1   a  is configured of a cemented lens having a negative lens element  11  and a positive lens element  12 , in that order from the object side. However, two or more negative lens elements can be included in the first sub-lens group Gla by adding a negative lens element(s) to the first sub-lens group G 1   a.    
         [0077]    With this configuration, condition (2) and condition (2′) specify the Abbe number at the d-line of the negative lens element  11  which is provided in the first sub-lens group G 1   a . By satisfying condition (2) and condition (2′), various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, particularly at the long focal length extremity, can be favorably corrected, thereby achieving a superior optical quality. 
         [0078]    If the upper limit of condition (2) and condition (2′) is exceeded, it becomes difficult to correct various aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration, particularly at the long focal length extremity, so that the optical quality deteriorates. 
         [0079]    Condition (3) specifies the specific profile (shape factor) of the positive single lens element  13  of the second sub-lens group G 1   b . By satisfying condition (3), various aberrations such as astigmatism can be favorably corrected, thereby achieving a superior optical quality. 
         [0080]    If the upper limit of condition (3) is exceeded, the curvature of the positive single lens element  13  of the second sub-lens group G 1 b becomes too large, resulting in high-order aberrations occurring, thereby deteriorating the optical quality. 
         [0081]    If the lower limit of condition (3) is exceeded, astigmatism easily occurs, thereby deteriorating the optical quality. 
         [0082]    Condition (4) specifies the ratio of the focal length of the second lens group G2 to the focal length of the entire lens system at the long focal length extremity. By satisfying condition (4), fluctuation in aberrations during zooming can be suppressed so that a superior optical quality can be obtained, and the movement amount of the second lens group G 2  is decreased during zooming to thereby miniaturize the lens system. 
         [0083]    If the upper limit of condition (4) is exceeded, aberration fluctuations during zooming increase due to the power of the second lens group G 2  becoming excessively strong, thereby deteriorating the optical quality. 
         [0084]    If the lower limit of condition (4) is exceeded, the movement amount of the second lens group G 2  during zooming increases due to the power of the second lens group G 2  becoming too weak, thereby enlarging the size of the lens system. 
         [0085]    Condition (5) specifies the ratio of the entire length of the lens system (the distance between the surface closest to the object side of the first lens group G 1  and the imaging plane I) at the long focal length extremity to the movement amount of the second lens group G 2  when zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity. By satisfying condition (5), the lens system is miniaturized by reducing the movement amount of the second lens group G 2  during zooming, and deterioration in optical quality caused by manufacturing error can be prevented. 
         [0086]    If the upper limit of condition (5) is exceeded, the movement amount of the second lens group G 2  during zooming becomes too small, so that the error sensitivity increases, thereby making it easier for deterioration of the optical quality due to manufacturing error to occur. 
         [0087]    If the lower limit of condition (5) is exceeded, the movement amount of the second lens group G 2  during zooming becomes too large, thereby enlarging the size of the lens system. 
         [0088]    Condition (6) specifies the ratio of the air-distance between the third sub-lens group G 4   a  and the fourth sub-lens group G 4   b  (the distance between the surface closest to the image side of the third sub-lens group G 4   a  to the surface closest to the object side of the fourth sub-lens group G 4   b ) to the distance between the surface closest to the object side of the fourth lens group G 4  to the surface closest to the image side thereof. By satisfying condition (6), spherical aberration, coma and field curvature can be favorably corrected to achieve a superior optical quality. 
         [0089]    If the upper limit of condition (6) is exceeded, it becomes difficult to correct spherical aberration and coma, thereby deteriorating the optical quality. 
         [0090]    If the lower limit of condition (6) is exceeded, the overlapping of light rays at any angle-of-view increases, making it difficult to correct field curvature, so that the optical quality deteriorates. 
         [0091]    Condition (7) specifies the specific gravity of the positive single lens element  13  of the second sub-lens group G 1   b . By selecting a glass material having a low specific gravity that satisfies condition (7) for use as the positive single lens element  13 , constituting the focusing lens group, the focusing lens group can be miniaturized and reduced in weight, so that a rapid and quiet focusing operation can be carried out. 
         [0092]    If the upper limit of condition (7) is exceeded, it becomes difficult to achieve a rapid and quiet focusing operation due to the focusing lens group increasing in size and increasing in weight. In order to forcibly carry out a rapid and quiet focusing operation in a state in which the upper limit of condition (7) is exceeded, a more powerful focusing drive system must be used, so that an increase in size and weight of the entire optical unit, including the lens system, cannot be avoided. 
         [0093]    Specific first through sixth numerical embodiments will be herein discussed. In the various aberration diagrams, lateral aberration diagrams and the tables, the d-line, the g-line and the C-line show aberrations at their respective wave-lengths; S designates the sagittal image, M designates the meridional image, FNO. designates the f-number, f designates the focal length of the entire optical system, W designates the half angle of view (° ), Y designates the image height, fB designates the backfocus, L designates the overall length of the lens system, R designates the radius of curvature, d designates the lens thickness or distance between lenses, N(d) designates the refractive index at the d-line, and ν (d) designates the Abbe number with respect to the d-line. The unit used for the various lengths is defined in millimeters (mm). None of the first through sixth numerical embodiments utilize an aspherical lens element. 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0094]      FIGS. 1 through 6  and Tables 1 through 3 show a first numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a lens arrangement at the long focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 2  shows the various aberrations thereof,  FIG. 3  shows the lateral aberrations thereof,  FIG. 4  shows a lens arrangement at the short focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 5  shows the various aberrations thereof, and  FIG. 6  shows the lateral aberrations thereof. Table 1 shows the lens surface data, Table 2 shows various lens-system data, and Table 3 shows the lens group data. 
         [0095]    The zoom lens system of the first numerical embodiment is configured of a positive first lens group G 1 , a negative second lens group G 2 , a positive third lens group G 3 , and a positive fourth lens group G 4 , in that order from the object side. A diaphragm S which is positioned between the second lens group G 2  and the third lens group G 3  moves integrally with the third lens group G 3 . An optical filter OP is provided between the fourth lens group G 4  and the imaging plane I. 
         [0096]    The first lens group G 1  is configured of a positive first sub-lens group G 1   a , which does not move during focusing, and a positive second sub-lens group G 1   b , constituting a focusing lens group which moves during a focusing operation, in that order from the object side. Upon focusing on an object at infinity to an object at a finite distance, the second sub-lens group G 1   b  is moved toward the object side. 
         [0097]    The first sub-lens group G 1   a  is configured of a cemented lens configured of a negative meniscus lens element  11  having a convex surface on the object side, and a biconvex positive lens element  12 , in that order from the object side. The negative meniscus lens element  11  is formed from a high dispersion glass (e.g., OHARA S-NPH1 of Ohara Inc.) having an Abbe number of 22.8 at the d-line. 
         [0098]    The second sub-lens group G 1   b  is configured of a positive meniscus single lens element  13  having a convex surface on the object side. The positive meniscus single lens element  13  is formed from a glass material (e.g., OHARA S-FSL5 of Ohara Inc.) having anomalous dispersion characteristics such that the Abbe number thereof is 70.2 at the d-line, and a low specific gravity of 2.46. 
         [0099]    The second lens group G 2  is configured of a biconcave negative lens element (a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side)  21 , a biconcave negative lens element (a negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side)  22 , and a cemented lens configured of a positive meniscus lens element  23  having a convex surface on the object side and a negative meniscus lens element  24  having a convex surface on the object side, in that order from the object side. 
         [0100]    The third lens group G 3  is configured of a cemented lens configured of a biconvex positive lens element  31  and a negative meniscus lens element  32  having a convex surface on the image side, in that order from the object side. 
         [0101]    The fourth lens group G 4  is configured of a positive third sub-lens group G 4   a  and a positive fourth sub-lens group G 4   b , in that order from the object side. The third sub-lens group G 4   a  is configured of a positive meniscus lens element  41  having a convex surface on the object side, and a cemented lens configured of a positive meniscus lens element  42  having a convex surface on the object side and a negative meniscus lens element  43  having a convex surface on the object side, in that order from the object side. The fourth sub-lens group G 4   b  is configured of a biconvex positive lens element  44  and a negative meniscus lens element  45  having a convex surface on the image side, in that order from the object side. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the positive third sub-lens group G 4   a  and the positive fourth sub-lens group G 4   b  are separated from each other within the fourth lens group G 4  at a position where the air-distance therebetween is greatest. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SURFACE DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Surf. No. 
                 R 
                 d 
                 N(d) 
                 ν(d) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 45.554 
                 1.20 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 2 
                 31.451 
                 4.30 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 3 
                 −2061.947 
                 4.80 
               
               
                 4 
                 31.427 
                 3.30 
                 1.48749 
                 70.2 
               
               
                 5 
                 390.000 
                 d5  
               
               
                 6 
                 −273.977 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 7 
                 25.016 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 8 
                 −24.825 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 9 
                 14.042 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 10 
                 13.805 
                 2.30 
                 1.84666 
                 23.8 
               
               
                 11 
                 106.188 
                 1.00 
                 1.77250 
                 49.6 
               
               
                 12 
                 20.854 
                 d12 
               
               
                 13(Diaphragm) 
                 ∞ 
                 0.90 
               
               
                 14 
                 60.940 
                 2.60 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 15 
                 −10.246 
                 1.00 
                 1.85026 
                 32.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 −23.254 
                 d16 
               
               
                 17 
                 19.427 
                 2.20 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 18 
                 85.000 
                 0.30 
               
               
                 19 
                 9.058 
                 3.00 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 20 
                 74.966 
                 1.00 
                 1.72342 
                 38.0 
               
               
                 21 
                 8.918 
                 5.20 
               
               
                 22 
                 20.735 
                 2.30 
                 1.60300 
                 65.5 
               
               
                 23 
                 −31.228 
                 2.50 
               
               
                 24 
                 −9.860 
                 1.00 
                 1.56732 
                 42.8 
               
               
                 25 
                 −16.841 
                 9.28 
               
               
                 26 
                 ∞ 
                 1.05 
                 1.51633 
                 64.1 
               
               
                 27 
                 ∞ 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 VARIOUS LENS SYSTEM DATA 
               
               
                 Zoom Ratio: 2.84 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Short Focal Length 
                 Intermediate 
                 Long Focal Length 
               
               
                   
                 Extremity 
                 Focal Length 
                 Extremity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 f 
                 15.50 
                 21.49 
                 44.04 
               
               
                 W 
                 17.6 
                 12.5 
                 6.0 
               
               
                 Y 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
               
               
                 fB 
                 0.56 
                 0.55 
                 0.53 
               
               
                 L 
                 75.58 
                 75.57 
                 75.55 
               
               
                 d5 
                 1.65 
                 9.04 
                 18.89 
               
               
                 d12 
                 9.67 
                 8.00 
                 1.69 
               
               
                 d16 
                 10.48 
                 4.76 
                 1.22 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LENS GROUP DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Group 
                 1 st  Surf. 
                 Focal Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 46.59 
               
               
                 2 
                 6 
                 −10.78 
               
               
                 3 
                 14 
                 30.57 
               
               
                 4 
                 17 
                 24.72 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Numerical Embodiment 2  
       [0102]      FIGS. 7 through 12  and Tables 4 through 6 show a second numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.  FIG. 7  shows a lens arrangement at the long focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 8  shows the various aberrations thereof,  FIG. 9  shows the lateral aberrations thereof,  FIG. 10  shows a lens arrangement at the short focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 11  shows the various aberrations thereof, and  FIG. 12  shows the lateral aberrations thereof. Table 4 shows the lens surface data, Table 5 shows various lens-system data, and Table 6 shows the lens group data. 
         [0103]    The lens arrangement of the second numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SURFACE DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Surf. No. 
                 R 
                 d 
                 N(d) 
                 ν(d) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 45.470 
                 1.20 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 2 
                 31.462 
                 4.30 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 3 
                 −1288.781 
                 4.80 
               
               
                 4 
                 31.049 
                 3.30 
                 1.48749 
                 70.2 
               
               
                 5 
                 300.000 
                 d5  
               
               
                 6 
                 −271.357 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 7 
                 24.869 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 8 
                 −24.895 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 9 
                 14.025 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 10 
                 13.811 
                 2.30 
                 1.84666 
                 23.8 
               
               
                 11 
                 106.194 
                 1.00 
                 1.77250 
                 49.6 
               
               
                 12 
                 20.845 
                 d12 
               
               
                 13(Diaphragm) 
                 ∞ 
                 0.90 
               
               
                 14 
                 61.019 
                 2.60 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 15 
                 −10.237 
                 1.00 
                 1.85026 
                 32.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 −23.289 
                 d16 
               
               
                 17 
                 19.488 
                 2.20 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 18 
                 90.000 
                 0.30 
               
               
                 19 
                 9.058 
                 3.00 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 20 
                 77.335 
                 1.00 
                 1.72342 
                 38.0 
               
               
                 21 
                 8.914 
                 5.20 
               
               
                 22 
                 20.839 
                 2.30 
                 1.60300 
                 65.5 
               
               
                 23 
                 −31.652 
                 2.50 
               
               
                 24 
                 −9.926 
                 1.00 
                 1.56732 
                 42.8 
               
               
                 25 
                 −16.919 
                 9.28 
               
               
                 26 
                 ∞ 
                 1.05 
                 1.51633 
                 64.1 
               
               
                 27 
                 ∞ 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 VARIOUS LENS SYSTEM DATA 
               
               
                 Zoom Ratio: 2.86 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Short Focal Length 
                 Intermediate 
                 Long Focal Length 
               
               
                   
                 Extremity 
                 Focal Length 
                 Extremity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 f 
                 15.51 
                 21.53 
                 44.28 
               
               
                 W 
                 17.6 
                 12.5 
                 6.0 
               
               
                 Y 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
               
               
                 fB 
                 0.56 
                 0.55 
                 0.52 
               
               
                 L 
                 75.58 
                 75.57 
                 75.54 
               
               
                 d5 
                 1.65 
                 9.04 
                 18.89 
               
               
                 d12 
                 9.66 
                 8.00 
                 1.67 
               
               
                 d16 
                 10.48 
                 4.76 
                 1.24 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LENS GROUP DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Group 
                 1 st  Surf. 
                 Focal Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 46.56 
               
               
                 2 
                 6 
                 −10.75 
               
               
                 3 
                 14 
                 30.65 
               
               
                 4 
                 17 
                 24.66 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Numerical Embodiment 3  
       [0104]      FIGS. 13 through 18  and Tables 7 through 9 show a third numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.  FIG. 13  shows a lens arrangement at the long focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 14  shows the various aberrations thereof,  FIG. 15  shows the lateral aberrations thereof,  FIG. 16  shows a lens arrangement at the short focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 17  shows the various aberrations thereof, and  FIG. 18  shows the lateral aberrations thereof. Table 7 shows the lens surface data, Table 8 shows various lens-system data, and Table 9 shows the lens group data. 
         [0105]    The lens arrangement of the third numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SURFACE DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Surf. No. 
                 R 
                 d 
                 N(d) 
                 ν(d) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 45.454 
                 1.20 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 2 
                 31.513 
                 4.30 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 3 
                 −1136.453 
                 4.80 
               
               
                 4 
                 31.062 
                 3.30 
                 1.48749 
                 70.2 
               
               
                 5 
                 290.000 
                 d5  
               
               
                 6 
                 −268.049 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 7 
                 24.813 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 8 
                 −24.908 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 9 
                 14.015 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 10 
                 13.803 
                 2.30 
                 1.84666 
                 23.8 
               
               
                 11 
                 102.117 
                 1.00 
                 1.77250 
                 49.6 
               
               
                 12 
                 20.825 
                 d12 
               
               
                 13(Diaphragm) 
                 ∞ 
                 0.90 
               
               
                 14 
                 60.625 
                 2.60 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 15 
                 −10.254 
                 1.00 
                 1.85026 
                 32.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 −23.233 
                 d16 
               
               
                 17 
                 19.445 
                 2.20 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 18 
                 85.000 
                 0.30 
               
               
                 19 
                 9.052 
                 3.00 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 20 
                 75.329 
                 1.00 
                 1.72342 
                 38.0 
               
               
                 21 
                 8.916 
                 5.20 
               
               
                 22 
                 20.759 
                 2.30 
                 1.60300 
                 65.5 
               
               
                 23 
                 −31.716 
                 2.50 
               
               
                 24 
                 −9.887 
                 1.00 
                 1.56732 
                 42.8 
               
               
                 25 
                 −16.626 
                 9.28 
               
               
                 26 
                 ∞ 
                 1.05 
                 1.51633 
                 64.1 
               
               
                 27 
                 ∞ 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 8 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 VARIOUS LENS SYSTEM DATA 
               
               
                 Zoom Ratio: 2.86 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Short Focal Length 
                 Intermediate 
                 Long Focal Length 
               
               
                   
                 Extremity 
                 Focal Length 
                 Extremity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 f 
                 15.49 
                 21.50 
                 44.26 
               
               
                 W 
                 17.7 
                 12.5 
                 6.0 
               
               
                 Y 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
               
               
                 fB 
                 0.56 
                 0.55 
                 0.52 
               
               
                 L 
                 75.58 
                 75.57 
                 75.54 
               
               
                 d5 
                 1.65 
                 9.04 
                 18.89 
               
               
                 d12 
                 9.66 
                 8.00 
                 1.67 
               
               
                 d16 
                 10.48 
                 4.75 
                 1.24 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 9 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LENS GROUP DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Group 
                 1 st  Surf. 
                 Focal Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 46.54 
               
               
                 2 
                 6 
                 −10.73 
               
               
                 3 
                 14 
                 30.48 
               
               
                 4 
                 17 
                 24.70 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Numerical Embodiment 4  
       [0106]      FIGS. 19 through 24  and Tables 10 through 12 show a fourth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.  FIG. 19  shows a lens arrangement at the long focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 20  shows the various aberrations thereof,  FIG. 21  shows the lateral aberrations thereof,  FIG. 22  shows a lens arrangement at the short focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 23  shows the various aberrations thereof, and  FIG. 24  shows the lateral aberrations thereof. Table 10 shows the lens surface data, Table 11 shows various lens-system data, and Table 12 shows the lens group data. 
         [0107]    The lens arrangement of the fourth numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points: 
         [0108]    (1) The positive lens element  12  of the first lens group G 1  is a positive meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the object side. 
         [0109]    (2) In the fourth lens group G 4 , the positive lens element  41  is configured of a biconvex positive lens element, the positive lens element  42  is configured of a biconvex positive lens element, and the negative lens element  43  is configured of a biconcave negative lens element. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 10 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SURFACE DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Surf. No. 
                 R 
                 d 
                 N(d) 
                 ν(d) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 35.763 
                 1.20 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 2 
                 25.198 
                 4.20 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 3 
                 353.696 
                 4.01 
               
               
                 4 
                 24.078 
                 3.30 
                 1.48749 
                 70.2 
               
               
                 5 
                 228.251 
                 d5  
               
               
                 6 
                 −135.163 
                 0.90 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 7 
                 17.044 
                 1.05 
               
               
                 8 
                 −22.735 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 9 
                 12.022 
                 0.99 
               
               
                 10 
                 12.871 
                 2.20 
                 1.84666 
                 23.8 
               
               
                 11 
                 72.878 
                 0.90 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 12 
                 22.207 
                 d12 
               
               
                 13(Diaphragm) 
                 ∞ 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 14 
                 44.133 
                 2.50 
                 1.60311 
                 60.7 
               
               
                 15 
                 −9.565 
                 0.90 
                 1.85026 
                 32.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 −18.402 
                 d16 
               
               
                 17 
                 9.641 
                 2.10 
                 1.61800 
                 63.4 
               
               
                 18 
                 −131.855 
                 0.10 
               
               
                 19 
                 16.114 
                 3.11 
                 1.43875 
                 95.0 
               
               
                 20 
                 −16.498 
                 1.00 
                 1.81600 
                 46.6 
               
               
                 21 
                 10.994 
                 3.41 
               
               
                 22 
                 17.765 
                 3.50 
                 1.69680 
                 55.5 
               
               
                 23 
                 −21.194 
                 0.99 
               
               
                 24 
                 −8.164 
                 0.95 
                 1.83400 
                 37.2 
               
               
                 25 
                 −16.837 
                 7.57 
               
               
                 26 
                 ∞ 
                 1.20 
                 1.51633 
                 64.1 
               
               
                 27 
                 ∞ 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 11 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 VARIOUS LENS SYSTEM DATA 
               
               
                 Zoom Ratio: 2.83 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Short Focal Length 
                 Intermediate 
                 Long Focal Length 
               
               
                   
                 Extremity 
                 Focal Length 
                 Extremity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 f 
                 15.45 
                 26.00 
                 43.65 
               
               
                 W 
                 17.7 
                 10.4 
                 6.1 
               
               
                 Y 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
               
               
                 fB 
                 2.75 
                 2.75 
                 2.75 
               
               
                 L 
                 69.25 
                 69.25 
                 69.25 
               
               
                 d5 
                 2.50 
                 10.57 
                 15.57 
               
               
                 d12 
                 8.22 
                 5.81 
                 1.60 
               
               
                 d16 
                 7.69 
                 2.03 
                 1.25 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 12 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LENS GROUP DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Group 
                 1 st  Surf. 
                 Focal Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 38.65 
               
               
                 2 
                 6 
                 −8.80 
               
               
                 3 
                 14 
                 29.53 
               
               
                 4 
                 17 
                 22.99 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Numerical Embodiment 5 
       [0110]      FIGS. 25 through 30  and Tables 13 through 15 show a fifth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.  FIG. 25  shows a lens arrangement at the long focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 26  shows the various aberrations thereof,  FIG. 27  shows the lateral aberrations thereof,  FIG. 28  shows a lens arrangement at the short focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 29  shows the various aberrations thereof, and  FIG. 30  shows the lateral aberrations thereof. Table 13 shows the lens surface data, Table 14 shows various lens-system data, and Table 15 shows the lens group data. 
         [0111]    The lens arrangement of the fifth numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points: 
         [0112]    (1) The negative lens element  22  of the second lens group G 2  is configured of a negative meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the image side. 
         [0113]    (2) In the fourth lens group G 4 , the positive lens element 42 is configured of a biconvex positive lens element, and the negative lens element  43  is configured of a biconcave negative lens element. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SURFACE DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Surf. No. 
                 R 
                 d 
                 N(d) 
                 ν(d) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 65.158 
                 1.20 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 2 
                 38.658 
                 3.70 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 3 
                 −222.787 
                 4.41 
               
               
                 4 
                 22.703 
                 3.30 
                 1.48749 
                 70.2 
               
               
                 5 
                 111.448 
                 d5  
               
               
                 6 
                 −51.534 
                 0.90 
                 1.75500 
                 52.3 
               
               
                 7 
                 10.958 
                 1.40 
               
               
                 8 
                 −18.976 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 9 
                 −43.739 
                 0.10 
               
               
                 10 
                 16.919 
                 2.00 
                 1.84666 
                 23.8 
               
               
                 11 
                 500.000 
                 0.90 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 12 
                 26.515 
                 d12 
               
               
                 13(Diaphragm) 
                 ∞ 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 14 
                 62.812 
                 2.40 
                 1.60311 
                 60.7 
               
               
                 15 
                 −11.557 
                 0.90 
                 1.85026 
                 32.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 −26.419 
                 d16 
               
               
                 17 
                 10.989 
                 2.10 
                 1.61800 
                 63.4 
               
               
                 18 
                 413.942 
                 0.10 
               
               
                 19 
                 12.126 
                 2.98 
                 1.43875 
                 95.0 
               
               
                 20 
                 −39.367 
                 1.00 
                 1.74320 
                 49.3 
               
               
                 21 
                 10.186 
                 3.08 
               
               
                 22 
                 20.988 
                 4.09 
                 1.80400 
                 46.6 
               
               
                 23 
                 −27.625 
                 1.41 
               
               
                 24 
                 −8.539 
                 0.95 
                 1.80000 
                 29.9 
               
               
                 25 
                 −22.601 
                 5.00 
               
               
                 26 
                 ∞ 
                 1.20 
                 1.51633 
                 64.1 
               
               
                 27 
                 ∞ 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 VARIOUS LENS SYSTEM DATA 
               
               
                 Zoom Ratio: 2.83 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Short Focal Length 
                 Intermediate 
                 Long Focal Length 
               
               
                   
                 Extremity 
                 Focal Length 
                 Extremity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 f 
                 15.29 
                 26.00 
                 43.20 
               
               
                 W 
                 17.9 
                 10.4 
                 6.1 
               
               
                 Y 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
               
               
                 fB 
                 5.50 
                 5.50 
                 5.50 
               
               
                 L 
                 72.08 
                 72.08 
                 72.08 
               
               
                 d5 
                 2.50 
                 11.73 
                 17.40 
               
               
                 d12 
                 12.56 
                 8.72 
                 1.60 
               
               
                 d16 
                 6.40 
                 1.00 
                 2.46 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LENS GROUP DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Group 
                 1 st  Surf. 
                 Focal Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 43.21 
               
               
                 2 
                 6 
                 −12.13 
               
               
                 3 
                 14 
                 48.96 
               
               
                 4 
                 17 
                 21.71 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Numerical Embodiment 6 
       [0114]      FIGS. 31 through 36  and Tables 16 through 18 show a sixth numerical embodiment of the zoom lens system according to the present invention.  FIG. 31  shows a lens arrangement at the long focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 32  shows the various aberrations thereof,  FIG. 33  shows the lateral aberrations thereof,  FIG. 34  shows a lens arrangement at the short focal length extremity when focusing on an object at infinity,  FIG. 35  shows the various aberrations thereof, and  FIG. 36  shows the lateral aberrations thereof. Table 16 shows the lens surface data, Table 17 shows various lens-system data, and Table 18 shows the lens group data. 
         [0115]    The lens arrangement of the sixth numerical embodiment is the same as that of the first numerical embodiment except for the following points: 
         [0116]    (1) The positive lens element  12  of the first lens group G1 is configured of a planoconvex positive lens element having a convex surface on the object side. 
         [0117]    (2) The negative lens element  22  of the second lens group G 2  is configured of a negative meniscus lens element having a convex surface on the image side. 
         [0118]    (3) In the fourth lens group G 4 , the positive lens element  41  is configured of a biconvex positive lens element, the positive lens element  42  is configured of a biconvex positive lens element, and the negative lens element  43  is configured of a biconcave negative lens element. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 SURFACE DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Surf. No. 
                 R 
                 d 
                 N(d) 
                 ν(d) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 53.022 
                 1.20 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 2 
                 33.737 
                 3.70 
                 1.49700 
                 81.6 
               
               
                 3 
                 ∞ 
                 4.58 
               
               
                 4 
                 24.408 
                 3.30 
                 1.48749 
                 70.2 
               
               
                 5 
                 160.088 
                 d5  
               
               
                 6 
                 −39.224 
                 0.90 
                 1.75500 
                 52.3 
               
               
                 7 
                 11.146 
                 1.28 
               
               
                 8 
                 −23.058 
                 1.00 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 9 
                 −86.125 
                 0.10 
               
               
                 10 
                 15.389 
                 2.00 
                 1.84666 
                 23.8 
               
               
                 11 
                 500.000 
                 0.90 
                 1.72916 
                 54.7 
               
               
                 12 
                 21.977 
                 d12 
               
               
                 13(Diaphragm) 
                 ∞ 
                 1.00 
               
               
                 14 
                 61.966 
                 2.40 
                 1.60311 
                 60.7 
               
               
                 15 
                 −11.543 
                 0.90 
                 1.85026 
                 32.3 
               
               
                 16 
                 −23.543 
                 d16 
               
               
                 17 
                 11.096 
                 2.10 
                 1.61800 
                 63.4 
               
               
                 18 
                 −132.586 
                 0.10 
               
               
                 19 
                 12.995 
                 3.26 
                 1.43875 
                 95.0 
               
               
                 20 
                 −19.170 
                 1.00 
                 1.74400 
                 44.8 
               
               
                 21 
                 11.064 
                 3.92 
               
               
                 22 
                 21.949 
                 3.99 
                 1.80610 
                 33.3 
               
               
                 23 
                 −31.758 
                 1.32 
               
               
                 24 
                 −8.960 
                 0.95 
                 1.80810 
                 22.8 
               
               
                 25 
                 −21.977 
                 9.16 
               
               
                 26 
                 ∞ 
                 1.20 
                 1.51633 
                 64.1 
               
               
                 27 
                 ∞ 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 VARIOUS LENS SYSTEM DATA 
               
               
                 Zoom Ratio: 2.83 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Short Focal Length 
                 Intermediate 
                 Long Focal Length 
               
               
                   
                 Extremity 
                 Focal Length 
                 Extremity 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 FNO. 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
                 2.9 
               
               
                 f 
                 15.48 
                 26.00 
                 43.72 
               
               
                 W 
                 17.7 
                 10.4 
                 6.1 
               
               
                 Y 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
                 4.70 
               
               
                 fB 
                 0.68 
                 0.68 
                 0.68 
               
               
                 L 
                 72.39 
                 72.39 
                 72.39 
               
               
                 d5 
                 2.50 
                 12.22 
                 18.57 
               
               
                 d12 
                 9.46 
                 6.84 
                 1.60 
               
               
                 d16 
                 9.49 
                 2.40 
                 1.28 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 LENS GROUP DATA 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Lens Group 
                 1 st  Surf. 
                 Focal Length 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 1 
                 44.82 
               
               
                 2 
                 6 
                 −11.17 
               
               
                 3 
                 14 
                 40.95 
               
               
                 4 
                 17 
                 21.45 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0119]    The numerical values of each condition for each embodiment are shown in Table 19. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 19 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
                 Embod. 1 
                 Embod. 2 
                 Embod. 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (1) 
                 70.2 
                 70.2 
                 70.2 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (2) 
                 22.76 
                 22.76 
                 22.76 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (3) 
                 1.18 
                 1.23 
                 1.24 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (4) 
                 −0.245 
                 −0.243 
                 −0.242 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (5) 
                 4.88 
                 4.88 
                 4.88 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (6) 
                 0.297 
                 0.297 
                 0.297 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (7) 
                 2.46 
                 2.46 
                 2.46 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Embod. 4 
                 Embod. 5 
                 Embod. 6 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (1) 
                 70.2 
                 70.2 
                 70.2 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (2) 
                 22.76 
                 22.76 
                 22.76 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (3) 
                 1.24 
                 1.51 
                 1.36 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (4) 
                 −0.202 
                 −0.281 
                 −0.256 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (5) 
                 5.30 
                 4.84 
                 4.50 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (6) 
                 0.225 
                 0.196 
                 0.236 
               
               
                   
                 Cond. (7) 
                 2.46 
                 2.46 
                 2.46 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0120]    As can be understood from Table 19, the first through sixth embodiments satisfy conditions (1) through (7). Furthermore, as can be understood from the various aberration diagrams and lateral aberration diagrams, the various aberrations and the lateral aberrations are relatively well corrected. 
         [0121]    The technical scope of the invention pertaining to the present invention would not be evaded even if a lens element or lens group which has, in effect, no optical power were to be added to a zoom lens system that is included in the technical scope of the invention pertaining to the present patent application. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0122]    The zoom lens system of the present invention and an electronic imaging apparatus provided with such a zoom lens system are suitable for use in, for example, an electronic imaging apparatus such as a digital camera, etc. 
       REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       [0123]    G 1  Positive first lens group 
         [0124]    G 1   a  Positive first sub-lens group 
         [0125]      11  Negative lens element 
         [0126]      12  Positive lens element 
         [0127]    G 1   b  Second sub-lens group 
         [0128]      13  Positive single lens element 
         [0129]    G 2  Negative second lens group 
         [0130]      21  Negative lens element (negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side) 
         [0131]      22  Negative lens element (negative lens element having a concave surface on the image side) 
         [0132]      23  Positive lens element 
         [0133]      24  Negative lens element 
         [0134]    G 3  Positive third lens group 
         [0135]      31  Positive lens element 
         [0136]      32  Negative lens element 
         [0137]    G 4  Positive fourth lens group 
         [0138]    G 4   a  Positive third sub-lens group 
         [0139]      41  Positive lens element 
         [0140]      42  Positive lens element 
         [0141]      43  Negative lens element 
         [0142]    G 4   b  Positive fourth sub-lens group 
         [0143]      44  Positive lens element 
         [0144]      45  Negative lens element 
         [0145]    S Diaphragm 
         [0146]    OP Optical filter 
         [0147]    I Imaging plane

Technology Classification (CPC): 6