Patent ID: 8325431

Claim:
A lens barrel comprising: a fixed cylinder; an optical system having a first optical component that moves relative to the fixed cylinder; a first holding frame that holds the first optical component; a guide axle that extends parallel to an optical axis of the optical system and is integrally connected to the first holding frame such that the guide axle moves integrally with the first holding frame in the direction of the optical axis; a supporting section that supports the guide axle, having a fitting hole in which the guide axle fits such that the guide axle is movable relative to the fixed cylinder in the direction of the optical axis; a linear drive unit operable to move the guide axle in the direction of the optical axis and to hold the guide axle; and a holding cylinder that holds the linear drive unit, the holding cylinder being movable relative to the fixed cylinder in the direction of the optical axis while the linear drive unit is holding the guide axle.