Zoom lens and imaging device

The zoom lens design addresses the challenge of size and weight by positioning the focus group within the rear group and image stabilization group closer to the object, using a retrofocus arrangement and cemented lenses to achieve compactness and high optical performance.

JP7780596B2Active Publication Date: 2025-12-04TAMRON CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024147724
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-29
Publication Date
2025-12-04
Estimated Expiration
2038-03-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing zoom lenses face challenges in achieving compact size and weight reduction while maintaining high optical performance, particularly due to the heavy and complex drive mechanisms associated with the second lens group responsible for focusing and image stabilization, which also increases the size and weight of the lens unit.

Method used

A zoom lens design with a front group having negative refractive power and a rear group having positive refractive power, where the focus group is located within the rear group and moves along the optical axis, and the image stabilization group is positioned closer to the object and moves perpendicular to the optical axis, utilizing a retrofocus power arrangement and cemented lenses to minimize air gaps and weight.

Benefits of technology

This design achieves a compact standard zoom lens with high optical performance, reducing the weight of the focus and image stabilization groups, allowing for quick autofocus and effective image stabilization without increasing the size of the lens unit.

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Abstract

To provide a standard system zoom lens having high optical performance and an imaging apparatus including the zoom lens, while reducing the weight of a focus group and a vibration-proof group.SOLUTION: In a zoom lens, when setting an object side as a front group and an image side as a rear group across an air distance being largest at a wide angle end, the front group has negative refractive power as a whole, the rear group has positive refractive power as a whole, and power is varied from the wide angle end to a telephoto end by changing the air distance between lens groups. The zoom lens includes a focus group F which is arranged in the rear group and moved in an optical axis direction at the time of focusing on a close object from the infinity and a vibration-proof group VC which is arranged closer to the object side than the focus group F and can be moved in a direction nearly perpendicular to an optical axis. The focus group includes at least one lens having negative refractive power. The zoom lens satisfies a predetermined condition. An imaging apparatus includes the zoom lens.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a zoom lens and an imaging device, and more particularly to a zoom lens and an imaging device suitable for imaging devices using solid-state imaging elements (CCD, CMOS, etc.) such as digital still cameras and digital video cameras. [Background technology]

[0002] Imaging devices using solid-state imaging elements, such as digital still cameras, digital video cameras, single-lens reflex cameras, and mirrorless cameras, have become widespread. These imaging devices commonly use imaging lenses known as standard zoom lenses. A standard zoom lens generally refers to a zoom lens whose zoom range includes a focal length equivalent to 50 mm in 35 mm format.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a standard zoom lens that is composed of, in order from the object side, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power. In this zoom lens, the second lens group is moved toward the object side to focus on a subject. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-3195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the zoom lens disclosed in Patent Document 1, the second lens group, which is primarily responsible for the zooming function, is used as the focusing group. The second lens group has a large number of lenses and is heavy compared to the other lens groups. This makes it difficult to perform quick autofocus. Furthermore, because the second lens group is heavy, the drive mechanism for moving the second lens group during focusing also becomes large. This results in an increase in the size and weight of the entire lens unit, including the lens barrel.

[0006] In recent years, optical systems have come to use at least one lens as an image stabilization group, and when image blur occurs due to camera shake or other factors during image capture, the image is shifted by moving the image stabilization group in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis. When incorporating such an image stabilization mechanism into a zoom lens, a drive mechanism for moving the image stabilization group in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis must be located within the lens barrel. Therefore, in order to reduce the size and weight of the entire zoom lens unit, the positional relationship between the focus group and the image stabilization group is important, along with reducing the size and weight of the image stabilization group.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compact standard zoom lens with high optical performance while reducing the weight of the focus group and vibration isolation group, and an image pickup apparatus equipped with the zoom lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a zoom lens according to one aspect of the present invention has a front lens group arranged on the object side and a rear lens group arranged on the image side, with the widest air space at the widest end as a boundary, wherein the front lens group has negative refractive power as a whole and the rear lens group has positive refractive power as a whole, the zoom lens changes magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end by changing the air space between the lens groups so as to reduce at least the air space between the front lens group and the rear lens group, the zoom lens has a focus lens group arranged within the rear lens group and moving in the optical axis direction when focusing from infinity to a close object, and a focus lens group arranged closer to the object than the focus lens group and an image stabilization group disposed on the object side of the focus group and movable in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, the rear group having at least one lens Lrn with negative refractive power on the object side of the focus group, the focus group having at least one lens Ln with negative refractive power, the image stabilization group having at least one lens Lvcn with negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp with positive refractive power, at least one of the lenses Lvcn and at least one of the lenses Lvcp being cemented together, and satisfying the following condition: (3)46.591≦1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)|<70.00 (6-1)3.60<|{1-(βft×βft)}×βftr×βftr|<15.00 (8) 1.860 < NdLrn < 2.10 (12) 45.0 < νdLn < 98.0 however, νdLvcn: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcn νdLvcp: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcp NdLrn: refractive index at the d line of the lens Lrn βft: Lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focused on infinity βftr: the combined lateral magnification at the telephoto end of all lenses arranged on the image side of the focus group when focused at infinity νdLn: Abbe number at the d line of lens Ln In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a zoom lens according to another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, when a lens group arranged on the object side with the widest air space at the widest end as a boundary is defined as a front group and a lens group arranged on the image side as a rear group, the front group has a negative refractive power as a whole and the rear group has a positive refractive power as a whole, the magnification is changed from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end by changing the air space between the lens groups so as to reduce at least the air space between the front group and the rear group, and a focusing lens arranged in the rear group and moving in the optical axis direction when focusing from infinity to a close object. The optical system includes a focus group, and a vibration reduction group that is arranged closer to the object than the focus group and is movable in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, the rear group has at least one lens Lrn that has negative refractive power and is closer to the object than the focus group, the vibration reduction group has at least one lens Lvcn that has negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp that has positive refractive power, at least one of the lenses Lvcn and at least one of the lenses Lvcp are cemented together, and is characterized in that the following condition is satisfied: (3)46.591≦1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)|<70.00 (6-2)4.609≦|{1-(βft×βft)}×βftr×βftr|<15.00 (8) 1.860 < NdLrn < 2.10 however, νdLvcn: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcn νdLvcp: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcp NdLrn: refractive index at the d line of the lens Lrn βft: Lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focused on infinity βftr: the combined lateral magnification at the telephoto end of all lenses arranged on the image side of the focus group when focused at infinity

[0009] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, the imaging device of the present invention is characterized by comprising the zoom lens of the present invention and an imaging element on the image side of the zoom lens that converts an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electrical signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a standard zoom lens with high optical performance while reducing the weight of the focus group, and an imaging device equipped with the zoom lens. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a first embodiment of the present invention at the wide-angle end when focusing on infinity. [Figure 2] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 1 at the wide-angle end when focused on infinity. [Figure 3] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 1 when focused on infinity in an intermediate focal length state. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 1 at the telephoto end when focused on infinity. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a second embodiment of the present invention at the wide-angle end when focusing on infinity. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 2 when focused on infinity at the wide-angle end. [Figure 7] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 2 when focused on infinity in an intermediate focal length state. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 2 when focused on infinity at the telephoto end. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a third embodiment of the present invention at the wide-angle end when focusing on infinity. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 3 when focused on infinity at the wide-angle end. [Figure 11]10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 3 when focused on infinity in an intermediate focal length state. [Figure 12] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 3 when focused on infinity at the telephoto end. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the lens configuration of a zoom lens according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention at the wide-angle end when focusing on infinity. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 4 when focused on infinity at the wide-angle end. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 4 when focused on infinity in an intermediate focal length state. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating spherical aberration, astigmatism, and distortion of the zoom lens of Example 4 when focused on infinity at the telephoto end. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the zoom lens and imaging device according to the present invention. However, the zoom lens and imaging device described below are merely one aspect of the zoom lens and imaging device according to the present invention, and the zoom lens and imaging device according to the present invention are not limited to the following aspects.

[0013] 1. Zoom Lens 1-1.Optical structure of a zoom lens First, the optical configuration of the zoom lens of this embodiment will be described. In the zoom lens of this embodiment, the lens group located on the object side of the widest air space at the widest end is defined as the front group, and the lens group located on the image side is defined as the rear group. The front group has negative refractive power as a whole, and the rear group has positive refractive power as a whole. When changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the air space between the lens groups is changed so as to reduce at least the air space between the front group and the rear group. The zoom lens also includes a focus group that moves in the optical axis direction when focusing from infinity to a close object, and an image stabilization group that is located closer to the object than the focus group and is movable in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, with the focus group being located within the rear group.

[0014] This zoom lens employs a retrofocus power arrangement in which the front group has a diverging effect and the rear group has a converging effect, with the widest air gap at the wide-angle end as the boundary. This facilitates widening the angle of view at the wide-angle end without increasing the size of the zoom lens. In other words, because this zoom lens employs a power arrangement suitable for standard zoom lenses, it achieves a wide angle of view at the wide-angle end, while ensuring a back focus suitable for interchangeable lens systems such as single-lens reflex cameras and achieving a compact overall design. However, this zoom lens must have a focal length equivalent to 50mm in 35mm format within its zoom range, and the half angle of view (ω) of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end must be greater than 24°.

[0015] In this zoom lens, the front group has negative refractive power and the rear group has positive refractive power, reducing the air gap between the front and rear groups when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. While the angle of incidence of light on the front group fluctuates with magnification, the angle of incidence of light on the rear group fluctuates only slightly. Therefore, by placing the focus group in the rear group, fluctuations in the angle of view during focusing can be suppressed. Therefore, fluctuations in the angle of view are small even when wobbling is performed, making this a zoom lens that is also suitable for video capture.

[0016] Furthermore, in this zoom lens, the diameter of the light beam incident on the rear group is smaller than the diameter of the light beam incident on the front group, so by placing the focus group in the rear group, it is possible to make the focus group smaller and lighter than when the focus group is placed in the front group.

[0017] Furthermore, the zoom lens includes an image stabilization group that is located closer to the object than the focus group and that is movable in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis. When vibrations caused by camera shake or the like are transmitted to the imaging device during image capture, causing image blur, the image can be shifted by moving the image stabilization group in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis. In other words, image blur can be corrected. In this zoom lens, the focus group is located closer to the image side of the zoom lens. Therefore, by locating the image stabilization group closer to the object than the focus group, it becomes easier to compactly arrange within the lens barrel a drive mechanism (including mechanical members, motors, electrical components, etc.; hereinafter referred to as the "focus drive mechanism") for moving the focus group in the optical axis direction and a drive mechanism (including mechanical members, magnets, coils, electrical components, etc.; hereinafter referred to as the "image stabilization drive mechanism") for moving the image stabilization group in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis. This also simplifies various wiring arrangements, allowing for the overall size of the zoom lens unit, including the lens barrel, of the zoom lens. On the other hand, if the vibration reduction group is located closer to the image side than the focus group, then arranging the focus drive mechanism and vibration reduction drive mechanism compactly within the lens barrel places restrictions on the location of the vibration reduction group, making it difficult to achieve the required optical performance and also making it difficult to reduce the size of the zoom lens unit. However, there are no particular restrictions on the configurations of the focus drive mechanism and vibration reduction drive mechanism. The optical configuration of this zoom lens will be described in more detail below.

[0018] (1) The widest air gap at the wide-angle end First, we will explain the air gap between the front and rear groups. The zoom lens is composed of multiple lens groups. The air gap between each lens group changes when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. The size of the air gap between each lens group changes depending on the zoom position of the zoom lens. Therefore, in the present invention, the air gap that is the widest at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens among the air gaps between the lens groups that make up the zoom lens is referred to as the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end."

[0019] The air spacing between lens groups that changes depending on the zoom position of the zoom lens is referred to as the variable spacing. Here, the "widest air spacing at the wide-angle end" refers to the largest variable spacing at the wide-angle end among the variable spacings between the lens group located closest to the object and the lens group located closest to the image in the zoom lens, and does not include the air spacing (back focus) between the lens group located closest to the image in the zoom lens and the image plane. The one or more lens groups located closer to the object than the "widest air spacing at the wide-angle end" are referred to as the front group, and the one or more lens groups located closer to the image are referred to as the rear group.

[0020] (2) Front group The front group is a collective term for one or more lens groups that are located closer to the object than the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end." The front group has negative refractive power as a whole, and therefore includes at least one lens group with negative refractive power.

[0021] Among the lens groups with negative refractive power included in the front group, the lens group with the largest negative refractive power is referred to as negative lens group n. As long as the front group has this negative lens group n and has negative refractive power as a whole, the configuration of the other lens groups is not particularly limited. For example, the front group may have two or more lens groups with negative refractive power, or one or more lens groups with positive refractive power.

[0022] However, from the viewpoint of being effective in increasing the diameter of the zoom lens, it is preferable that the front group has a lens group with positive refractive power closest to the object, and locating a lens group with negative refractive power on the image side of the lens group with positive refractive power in the front group is also effective in increasing the magnification of the zoom lens.

[0023] (3) Rear group The rear group is a collective term for one or more lens groups arranged closer to the image side than the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end." Since the rear group has positive refractive power as a whole, it includes at least one lens group with positive refractive power. The rear group is not particularly limited in its other lens group configuration, as long as it includes the focus group and has positive refractive power as a whole. For example, the rear group may include two or more lens groups with positive refractive power, or one or more lens groups with negative refractive power. Furthermore, in order to achieve compactness in the zoom lens, it is preferable to place a lens group with positive refractive power closest to the object side of the rear group in order to achieve high magnification and a large aperture, but this is not particularly limited.

[0024] It is preferable that the rear group has at least one lens on the image side of the focus group. By arranging at least one lens on the image side of the focus group, it becomes easier to correct aberration fluctuations that accompany movement of the focus group during focusing on the image side of the focus group. In this case, the refractive power of the lens may be positive, but it is preferable that the lens have at least one lens surface Sr with negative refractive power. By arranging a lens having at least one lens surface Sr on the image side of the focus group, it becomes easier to reduce field curvature.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the rear group has at least one lens Lrn having negative refractive power on the object side of the focus group. By arranging the lens Lrn having negative refractive power closer to the object side than the focus group, it is possible to reduce the curvature of field and make it easier to reduce chromatic aberration. At the same time, the lens Lrn can reduce the aberrations that occur in the focus group. Therefore, it is easy to realize a zoom lens that has a small amount of aberrations that need to be corrected during focusing and has high optical performance throughout the entire focusing range.

[0026] (4) Focus group The focus group is one of the lens groups constituting the rear group, or a part thereof. The configuration of the focus group is not particularly limited, but for reasons described below, it is preferable that the focus group be composed of a single lens unit. Here, a single lens unit refers to a lens unit such as a single lens or a cemented lens in which multiple single lenses are integrated without an air gap. That is, even if a single lens unit has multiple optical surfaces, only the most object-side and most image-side surfaces are in contact with air, and the other surfaces are not in contact with air. In this specification, the single lens may be either a spherical lens or an aspherical lens. Furthermore, the aspherical lens also includes a so-called composite aspherical lens, which has an aspherical film attached to its surface.

[0027] When the focus group is configured from the single lens unit, there is no air gap in the focus group. Therefore, compared to a focus group configured with multiple single lenses arranged with air gaps in between, the focus group in this zoom lens can be made smaller and lighter. As a result, the various mechanical components, motors, electrical components, etc. that make up the focus drive mechanism can be made smaller, and the focus drive mechanism can be made lighter.

[0028] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the focus group is made up of multiple single lenses arranged with air gaps between them, by configuring the focus group from the above-mentioned single lens unit, it is possible to reduce various manufacturing errors such as decentering errors and errors in the air gaps between the single lenses. As a result, it is possible to reduce the degradation of optical performance caused by manufacturing errors and reduce the variation in performance between products. As a result, it is possible to manufacture zoom lenses with high optical performance with a good yield.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferable that the focus group has negative refractive power. In other words, it is preferable that the composite refractive power of the single lens unit is negative. By having the focus group have negative refractive power, the focus group can offset the curvature of field and distortion that occur in the front group, which has negative refractive power. This makes it possible to obtain a zoom lens with even higher optical performance.

[0030] Here, the focus group only needs to be composed of one single lens unit, and may be composed of a single single lens, or may be composed of a cemented lens unit formed by cementing together multiple single lenses, and in either case, the above-mentioned series of effects can be obtained. Compared to when the focus group is composed of a cemented lens, when it is composed of only a single lens, the focus group can be made lighter and smaller.

[0031] On the other hand, when the focus group is composed of a cemented lens, it is possible to achieve higher optical performance than when the focus group is composed of only one single lens. For example, by configuring the focus group from a cemented lens including a lens (lens Lp) having positive refractive power and a lens (lens Ln) having negative refractive power, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of chromatic aberration when focusing on a close subject, and it is possible to realize a zoom lens with higher optical performance.

[0032] When the focus group is composed of the cemented lenses, the order in which the lenses Lp and Ln are arranged is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the cemented lens be formed by cementing the lenses Lp and Ln in this order from the object side. As described above, the focus group is arranged in the rear group. In this case, compared with on-axis rays, off-axis rays pass through more peripheral portions of the single lens units that make up the focus group. This is because, in order to better correct chromatic aberration of magnification, it is preferable to arrange a lens having negative refractive power on the image side.

[0033] (5) Aperture diaphragm In the zoom lens, the arrangement of the aperture diaphragm is not particularly limited, but the aperture diaphragm referred to here refers to the aperture diaphragm that determines the diameter of the light beam of the zoom lens, i.e., the aperture diaphragm that determines the Fno of the zoom lens.

[0034] However, locating the aperture stop on the object side of the rear group or within the rear group is preferable in order to obtain good optical performance throughout the entire focusing range. As mentioned above, there is little variation in the diameter of the light beam incident on the rear group. Therefore, locating the aperture stop on the object side of the rear group or within the rear group can suppress aberration fluctuations during focusing.

[0035] (6) Anti-vibration group The vibration reduction group is located closer to the object than the focus group, which, as mentioned above, makes it easier to arrange the various drive mechanisms compactly within the lens barrel, and also simplifies the wiring, allowing for a more compact zoom lens unit.

[0036] In this zoom lens, the vibration-reduction group only needs to be located closer to the object than the focus group. Therefore, the vibration-reduction group may be located in either the front group or the rear group. However, as described above, in this zoom lens, the diameter of the light beam incident on the rear group is smaller than the diameter of the light beam incident on the front group. Therefore, by locating the vibration-reduction group in the rear group, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the vibration-reduction group compared to when the vibration-reduction group is located in the front group.

[0037] It is also preferable that the vibration-reduction group be located closer to the image side than the aperture stop. Between the aperture stop and the focus group, there is little change in ray height during magnification change, and aberration fluctuations during magnification change are also small. Therefore, by locating the vibration-reduction group between the aperture stop and the focus group, it is possible to reduce aberration fluctuations during image shake correction (vibration reduction). This makes it possible to achieve a high-performance zoom lens with little aberration fluctuations throughout the entire magnification range, even during vibration reduction.

[0038] The number of lenses constituting the image stabilization group may be one or more. In order to suppress aberration fluctuations during image stabilization, it is preferable that the image stabilization group be made up of more than one lens. In particular, it is preferable that the image stabilization group be made up of at least one lens Lvcn having negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp having positive refractive power, in order to suppress the occurrence of chromatic aberration during image stabilization and to achieve a zoom lens with higher optical performance.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable that the image stabilization group be composed of one lens Lvcn having negative refractive power and one lens Lvcp having positive refractive power. By configuring the image stabilization group with two lenses, one positive and one negative, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the image stabilization group while suppressing the occurrence of chromatic aberration during image stabilization. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the image stabilization drive mechanism, and it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the entire zoom lens unit.

[0040] Here, the vibration-reduction group is preferably configured as a cemented lens in which the lens Lvcn and the lens Lvcp are cemented together. In this case, the vibration-reduction group does not include an air gap. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the lens Lvcn and the lens Lvcp are disposed with an air gap between them, the vibration-reduction group in this zoom lens can be made smaller and lighter.

[0041] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the vibration isolation group is configured by arranging the lenses Lvcn and Lvcp with an air gap between them, configuring the vibration isolation group from a single lens unit by cementing the lenses Lvcn and Lvcp together can reduce various manufacturing errors such as decentering errors and errors in the air gap between lenses. This can reduce the degradation of optical performance caused by manufacturing errors, and can reduce variations in performance between products. This makes it possible to manufacture zoom lenses with high optical performance with a good yield.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the vibration-reduction group has at least one aspherical surface. By having at least one aspherical surface in the vibration-reduction group, the amount of coma aberration generated during vibration reduction can be suppressed. As a result, a vibration-reduction group that generates less aberration can be configured with a small number of lenses, thereby enabling the vibration-reduction group to be made smaller and lighter. A zoom lens with high optical performance can be realized, and the vibration-reduction group can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vibration-reduction drive mechanism to be made smaller and lighter.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferable that the aspherical surface has an aspherical shape that results in a refractive power that is weaker than that required from its paraxial curvature. By arranging an aspherical surface of such a shape in the image stabilization group, it becomes easier to correct coma aberration and one-sided blur during image stabilization, making it possible to realize a zoom lens with even higher optical performance. Note that one-sided blur during image stabilization refers to an aberration that appears when the image stabilization group is decentered during image stabilization, and the actual image plane is tilted in the direction of the decentering of the image stabilization group relative to the ideal image plane.

[0044] (7) Lens group configuration The number of lens groups constituting the zoom lens is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a five-group zoom lens consisting of a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group having positive refractive power, with the third lens group and subsequent lens groups being rear groups, or a first lens group having negative refractive power, a second lens group having positive refractive power, and a third lens group having negative refractive power. Various lens group configurations can be employed, such as a four-group zoom lens consisting of a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, a fifth lens group having negative refractive power, and a sixth lens group having positive refractive power, with the second lens group and subsequent lens groups being the rear group, or a six-group zoom lens consisting of a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, a fifth lens group having negative refractive power, and a sixth lens group having positive refractive power, with the third lens group and subsequent lens groups being the rear group.The specific lens group configuration of the zoom lens is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to have, with the widest air space at the wide-angle end as the boundary, a front group having negative refractive power on the object side and a rear group having positive refractive power on the image side.

[0045] 1-2.Operation (1) Operation when changing magnification In this zoom lens, when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the air gap between the lens groups is changed so that the air gap between at least the front group and the rear group is reduced.

[0046] Here, if the front group and / or rear group includes multiple lens groups, the air spacing between each lens group also changes during zooming. When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, it is sufficient that the air spacing between at least the front group and the rear group decreases, and there are no particular limitations on the increase or decrease in the air spacing between the other lens groups. Furthermore, during zooming, all of the lens groups constituting the zoom lens may move along the optical axis, or some of the lens groups may be fixed along the optical axis and the remaining lens groups may move along the optical axis. There are no particular limitations on whether or not each lens group moves, and the direction of movement.

[0047] Here, if the first lens group, which is located closest to the object in the zoom lens, is moved toward the object when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the overall optical length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end can be shortened. In this case, if the lens barrel has a nested structure in which the inner barrel portion is housed in the outer barrel portion so that it can be extended, for example, when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the inner barrel portion is extended to move the first lens group toward the object, and when changing magnification from the telephoto end to the wide-angle end, the inner barrel portion is housed in the outer barrel, the lens barrel length at the wide-angle end can be shortened, and the zoom lens unit can be made more compact.

[0048] (2) Focusing behavior In this zoom lens, when focusing from infinity to a close object, the focus group disposed in the rear group moves in the optical axis direction. The direction of movement of the focus group when focusing is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the focus group moves toward the image side when focusing from infinity to a close object, for example.

[0049] Here, if the front group located on the object side has negative refractive power, the rear group located on the image side has positive refractive power, and the focus group is located in the rear group, the amount of axial chromatic aberration and spherical aberration generated when capturing close-up images of a subject is smaller at the wide-angle end than at the telephoto end. Therefore, even if the shortest imaging distance at the wide-angle end is shorter than the shortest imaging distance at the telephoto end, the amount of each of the aberrations generated at the wide-angle end is small. Therefore, by shortening the shortest imaging distance at the wide-angle end compared to the shortest imaging distance at the telephoto end, the imaging angle of view can be appropriately selected according to the distance to the subject and the size of the subject, and the range of scenes that can be captured by the zoom lens can be expanded. Here, the shortest imaging distance (shortest shooting distance) refers to the shortest distance from the imaging plane to the subject.

[0050] In addition to the focus group consisting of the cemented lens, other lens groups or parts of the lens groups may also be moved during focusing. That is, focusing may be performed using a floating system. In an imaging lens that employs a retrofocus power arrangement, using a floating system makes it easier to correct aberrations during focusing, so focusing using the floating system is preferable in order to achieve a zoom lens with high optical performance.

[0051] However, the floating system requires moving multiple lens groups during focusing, which complicates the configuration of the focus drive mechanism. Therefore, in order to reduce the size and weight of the zoom lens, it is preferable to not use the floating system, but to move only the focus group composed of the cemented lens during focusing. In other words, it is preferable that the zoom lens does not include any lens group that moves on the optical axis during focusing other than the focus group.

[0052] In the present invention, even when focusing is performed using a floating system, it is sufficient that the focus group satisfies the configuration and conditions described in this specification. In other words, there are no particular limitations on the other lens groups or parts of lens groups that move together with the focus group during focusing.

[0053] 1-2.Conditional Expressions In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the above-mentioned configuration be adopted and that at least one of the following conditional expressions be satisfied.

[0054] 1-2-1.Conditional Expression (1) (1) 3.80 < Cr1f / fw however, Cr1f: Radius of curvature of the surface of the zoom lens closest to the object fw: focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end

[0055] Conditional formula (1) defines the ratio between the radius of curvature of the surface of the zoom lens closest to the object and the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end. A positive value for conditional formula (1) means that the surface of the zoom lens closest to the object is flat or has a convex shape facing the object. By satisfying conditional formula (1), the radius of curvature of the surface of the zoom lens closest to the object falls within an appropriate range for the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end, enabling well-balanced correction of distortion and curvature of field.

[0056] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (1) is equal to or less than the lower limit, the radius of curvature of the surface of the zoom lens closest to the object becomes too small relative to the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end, which is undesirable because distortion is overcorrected and correction of field curvature becomes difficult.

[0057] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (1) is more preferably 4.00, even more preferably 4.20, even more preferably 4.50, even more preferably 4.80, still more preferably 5.10, and most preferably 6.50. There are no particular restrictions on the upper limit of conditional formula (1), but if an upper limit is set, it is preferably 100.00, even more preferably 50.00, and even more preferably 40.00.

[0058] 1-2-2.Conditional Expression (2) (2)0.50 < (-ffw+Dfrw) / FBw < 2.00 however, ffw: Combined focal length of the front group at the wide-angle end Dfrw: The distance on the optical axis between the front group's surface closest to the image and the rear group's surface closest to the object at the wide-angle end FBw: Air equivalent length from the side of the zoom lens closest to the image plane at the wide-angle end

[0059] Conditional formula (2) defines the ratio of the focal point of the light beam entering the rear group to the focal point of the light beam emerging from the rear group at the wide-angle end. In conditional formula (2), the numerator represents the axial distance from the focal point of the light beam entering the rear group to the surface of the rear group closest to the object. The denominator is the so-called back focus, which represents the axial distance from the focal point of the light beam emerging from the rear group to the surface of the rear group closest to the image. Satisfying conditional formula (2) ensures an appropriate back focus suitable for an interchangeable lens system while enabling the zoom lens to be made compact. In this case, the surface closest to the object of the front group refers to the lens surface of the front group that is located closest to the object, and the surface closest to the image of the rear group refers to the lens surface of the rear group that is located closest to the image.

[0060] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (2) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the back focal length at the wide-angle end becomes short. This makes it difficult to ensure a back focal length suitable for an interchangeable lens system. Furthermore, if the value of conditional expression (2) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, this means that the focal point of the light beam entering the rear group is far away. In other words, the focal point of the light beam entering the rear group is closer to the object side, which increases the overall optical length at the wide-angle end, making it difficult to reduce the size of the zoom lens. For these reasons, it is preferable that the value of conditional expression (2) be less than the upper limit.

[0061] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (2) is equal to or less than the lower limit, the back focal length at the wide-angle end becomes long, making it easier to ensure a back focal length suitable for an interchangeable lens system. However, if the back focal length becomes too long, the total optical length at the wide-angle end becomes long. Therefore, in this case too, it becomes difficult to achieve a compact zoom lens. For these reasons, it is preferable that the value of conditional expression (2) be greater than the lower limit.

[0062] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (2) is preferably 0.60, more preferably 0.70, even more preferably 0.80, still more preferably 0.90, even more preferably 1.05, and still more preferably 1.15, and the upper limit of conditional formula (2) is preferably 1.95, and more preferably 1.92.

[0063] 1-2-3.Conditional Expression (3) In the zoom lens, as described above, it is preferable that the image stabilization group has at least one lens Lvcn having negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp having positive refractive power. In this case, it is more preferable that the following condition be satisfied:

[0064] (3)22.00<1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)|<70.00 however, νdLvcn: Abbe number at the d line of lens Lvcn νdLvcp: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcp

[0065] Conditional expression (3) defines the difference in Abbe number between the lenses Lvcn and Lvcp when the image stabilization group includes the lenses Lvcn and Lvcp. When conditional expression (3) is satisfied, a good balance is achieved between the correction of chromatic aberration and the cost of glass materials, and a zoom lens with high optical performance and little chromatic aberration during image stabilization can be realized without increasing costs too much.

[0066] On the other hand, if the value of conditional formula (3) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, chromatic aberration will be undercorrected, making it difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration during image stabilization, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the value of conditional formula (3) is equal to or less than the lower limit, chromatic aberration will be overcorrected, making it difficult to correct lateral chromatic aberration during image stabilization, which is also undesirable. Furthermore, glass materials that satisfy the value of conditional formula (3) at or below the lower limit are high refractive index materials and are expensive. Therefore, from the perspective of cost, it is also undesirable for the value of conditional formula (3) to be equal to or less than the lower limit.

[0067] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (3) is more preferably 22.50, even more preferably 23.00, still more preferably 23.50, even more preferably 24.00, and still more preferably 24.20, and the upper limit of conditional formula (3) is more preferably 60.00, even more preferably 55.00, even more preferably 50.00, and still more preferably 47.00.

[0068] Here, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained if the image stabilization group includes at least one of the above lenses Lvcn and one of the above lenses Lvcp. In this case, the image stabilization group may include lenses that do not satisfy conditional expression (3), but it is preferable in terms of chromatic aberration and cost if all of the lenses included in the image stabilization group satisfy conditional expression (3). It is even more preferable in terms of chromatic aberration and cost if the image stabilization group is composed of two lenses, one lens Lvcn and one lens Lvcp.

[0069] 1-2-4.Conditional Expression (4) (4)0.50 < |(1-βvct)×βvctr| < 6.00 however, βvct: Lateral magnification of the image stabilization group at the telephoto end when focused at infinity βvctr: The combined lateral magnification of all lenses located on the image side of the image stabilization group at the telephoto end when focused at infinity

[0070] Conditional expression (4) defines the image blur correction coefficient of the image stabilization group. Here, the image blur correction coefficient represents the amount of movement of the imaging plane when the image stabilization group moves a unit amount. When conditional expression (4) is satisfied, the amount of movement of the image stabilization group during image stabilization can be kept within an appropriate range, achieving high-precision, rapid image blur correction and facilitating the miniaturization of the zoom lens.

[0071] On the other hand, if the value of conditional formula (4) is below the lower limit, the image blur correction coefficient of the image stabilization group becomes too small. As a result, the amount of movement of the image stabilization group during image stabilization becomes large, and it becomes necessary to increase the outer diameter of the lens barrel to ensure sufficient space for the image stabilization group to move. Furthermore, if the amount of movement of the image stabilization group becomes large, the image stabilization drive mechanism also becomes large. These factors make it difficult to miniaturize the zoom lens, which is undesirable. Furthermore, if the value of conditional formula (4) is above the upper limit, the image blur correction coefficient of the image stabilization group becomes too large. As a result, the amount of movement of the image stabilization group during image stabilization becomes too small, which is undesirable, as it requires highly accurate position control.

[0072] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (4) is more preferably 0.60, even more preferably 0.70, even more preferably 0.85, even more preferably 1.00, and even more preferably 1.10, and the upper limit of conditional formula (4) is more preferably 5.00, even more preferably 4.10, even more preferably 3.00, even more preferably 2.30, and even more preferably 2.20.

[0073] 1-2-5.Conditional Expression (5) (5)0.00 <(Crff+Crfr) / (Crff-Crfr)< 5.00 however, Crff: Radius of curvature of the focal group closest to the object Crfr: Radius of curvature of the focal group closest to the image

[0074] The above conditional expression (5) defines the shapes of the most object-side and most image-side surfaces of the focus group. The most object-side surface of the focus group refers to the object-side surface of the lens that is positioned closest to the object among the lenses that make up the focus group. Similarly, the most image-side surface of the focus group refers to the image-side surface of the lens that is positioned closest to the image among the lenses that make up the focus group. By making the shapes of the most object-side and most image-side surfaces of the focus group satisfy the above conditional expression (5), it becomes possible to effectively correct spherical aberration, reduce aberration fluctuations when focusing on a close subject, and realize a zoom lens with high optical performance throughout the entire focusing range.

[0075] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (5) is more preferably 0.05, even more preferably 0.08, even more preferably 0.10, and even more preferably 0.15, and the upper limit of conditional formula (5) is more preferably 4.50, even more preferably 4.00, and even more preferably 3.00.

[0076] 1-2-6.Conditional Expression (6) (6) 1.20 < |{1-(βft×βft)}×βftr×βftr| < 15.00 however, βft: Lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focused at infinity βftr: The combined lateral magnification of all lenses positioned on the image side of the focus group in a telephoto lens when focused at infinity

[0077] Conditional expression (6) defines the focus sensitivity of the focus group. Here, focus sensitivity represents the amount of movement of the imaging plane when the focus group moves a unit amount. When conditional expression (6) is satisfied, the amount of movement of the focus group when focusing from an object at infinity to a close object can be kept within an appropriate range, enabling rapid autofocusing and facilitating the miniaturization of the zoom lens.

[0078] On the other hand, if the value of conditional formula (6) is below the lower limit, the focus sensitivity of the focus group becomes too low. As a result, the amount of movement of the focus group when focusing from an object at infinity to a close object becomes large, and the overall optical length becomes long, which is undesirable as it makes it difficult to reduce the size of the zoom lens. Also, if the value of conditional formula (6) is above the upper limit, the focus sensitivity of the focus group becomes too high. As a result, the amount of movement of the focus group required to correct a positional shift in the focus position becomes too small, which is undesirable as it requires highly accurate position control.

[0079] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (6) is more preferably 1.50, even more preferably 2.00, even more preferably 2.50, even more preferably 3.00, and even more preferably 3.60, and the upper limit of conditional formula (6) is more preferably 14.00, even more preferably 13.00, and even more preferably 12.00.

[0080] (6-1) |βft|>1 Here, it is preferable that the absolute value of "βft" in conditional formula (6) be greater than 1. As mentioned above, "βft" refers to the lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focusing at infinity. The focus group is included in the rear group. By giving the lens group included in the rear group (focus group) a lateral magnification greater than 1, the overall optical length and radial dimensions of the zoom lens can be reduced.

[0081] 1-2-7.Conditional Expression (7) As described above, it is preferable that the zoom lens has at least one lens surface Sr having negative refractive power located closer to the image side than the focus unit. In this case, it is more preferable that the following conditional expression be satisfied:

[0082] (7)-0.400 <|fw×tanωw| / (fsr-FBw)< -0.002 however, ωw: Half angle of view of the most off-axis chief ray of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end fsr: focal length of lens surface Sr

[0083] Conditional expression (7) is an equation that approximates the ratio between the light-converging point of lens surface Sr and the image height of the most off-axis ray on the image plane. Here, the chief ray refers to the ray that passes through the center of the aperture stop. By locating lens surface Sr that satisfies conditional expression (7) on the image side of the focus group, field curvature can be effectively corrected by that lens surface Sr. This makes it easy to achieve even higher performance for the zoom lens.

[0084] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (7) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the negative refractive power of the lens surface Sr becomes too small. In this case, the curvature of field falls too far to the underside, making it difficult to achieve high performance in the zoom lens, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (7) is equal to or less than the lower limit, the negative refractive power of the lens surface Sr becomes too large. In this case, the Petzval sum is insufficiently corrected, making it difficult to achieve high performance in the zoom lens, which is undesirable. Furthermore, two or more lens surfaces Sr may be provided, and in this case, it is sufficient that any one of the surfaces satisfies conditional expression (7). More preferably, all of the lens surfaces Sr satisfy conditional expression (7), which makes it easier to achieve high performance.

[0085] In order to obtain these effects, the upper limit of conditional formula (7) is more preferably -0.004, even more preferably -0.006, even more preferably -0.008, even more preferably -0.010, and even more preferably -0.012. The lower limit of conditional formula (7) is more preferably -0.350, even more preferably -0.300, even more preferably -0.250, even more preferably -0.230, and even more preferably -0.220.

[0086] 1-2-8.Conditional Expression (8) In the zoom lens, as described above, it is preferable that the rear group has at least one lens Lrn having negative refractive power located closer to the object side than the focus group. In this case, it is preferable that the following condition is satisfied:

[0087] (8) 1.84 < NdLrn < 2.10 however, NdLrn: refractive index of lens Lrn at the d line

[0088] Conditional formula (8) defines the refractive index of lens Lrn at the d-line. Here, the rear group has positive refractive power as a whole. Therefore, in order to effectively correct Petzval's sum, it is necessary to dispose a lens having negative refractive power and made of a glass material with a high refractive index in the rear group. Glass materials that satisfy conditional formula (8) provide a good balance between Petzval's sum correction and glass material costs. Therefore, by including a lens Lrn that satisfies conditional formula (8) in the rear group on the object side of the focus group, it is possible to achieve a zoom lens with high optical performance while preventing costs from becoming too high.

[0089] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (8) is below the lower limit, the refractive index of the lens Lrn at the d-line becomes small, making it difficult to sufficiently correct the Petzval sum, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (8) is above the upper limit, the refractive index of the lens Lrn at the d-line becomes large, which is preferable in terms of correcting the Petzval sum. However, glass materials with a high refractive index at the d-line are generally more expensive than glass materials with a low refractive index at the d-line. Using a glass material with a refractive index at the d-line that is above the upper limit will be effective in correcting the Petzval sum, but the effect is small in terms of cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is undesirable from a cost perspective to have the value of conditional expression (8) exceed the upper limit.

[0090] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional expression (8) should preferably be 1.860, more preferably 1.870, and even more preferably 1.880, while the upper limit of conditional expression (8) should preferably be 2.070, more preferably 2.010, and even more preferably 1.960.

[0091] 1-2-9.Conditional Expression (9) In the zoom lens, as described above, it is preferable that the rear group has at least one lens Lrn having negative refractive power located closer to the object side than the focus group. In this case, it is preferable that the following condition is satisfied:

[0092] (9)-0.015 < ΔPgF < 0.022 however, ΔPgF: In a coordinate system with the partial dispersion ratio on the vertical axis and the Abbe number νd for the d line on the horizontal axis, the deviation of the partial dispersion ratio from the reference line is measured by a line passing through the coordinates of glass material C7, which has a partial dispersion ratio of 0.5393 and νd of 60.49, and the coordinates of glass material F2, which has a partial dispersion ratio of 0.5829 and νd of 36.30.

[0093] Here, if the refractive indices of glass for the g-line (435.8 nm), F-line (486.1 nm), d-line (587.6 nm), and C-line (656.3 nm) are Ng, NF, Nd, and NC, respectively, the Abbe number (νd) and partial dispersion ratio (PgF) can be expressed as follows: νd = (Nd-1) / (NF-NC) PgF = (Ng-NF) / (NF-NC)

[0094] Conditional formula (9) defines the anomalous dispersion of lens Lrn. Here, the rear group has positive refractive power as a whole. To correct chromatic aberration in a lens group having positive refractive power, it is common to combine a negative lens made of a high-dispersion glass material with a positive lens made of a low-dispersion glass material. However, the dispersion characteristics of high-dispersion glass material with respect to wavelength are quadratic, while the dispersion characteristics of low-dispersion glass material with respect to wavelength are linear. Therefore, when a negative lens made of a high-dispersion glass material is combined with a positive lens made of a low-dispersion glass material, even if chromatic aberration can be eliminated at some wavelengths, chromatic aberration remains at other wavelengths, making it impossible to correct chromatic aberration over the entire wavelength range.

[0095] Therefore, by combining the lens Lrn having negative refractive power and made of a glass material with low anomalous dispersion that satisfies the above conditional expression (9) with, for example, a positive lens made of a glass material with high anomalous dispersion, as will be explained below, it becomes possible to correct chromatic aberrations over the entire wavelength range used. Therefore, by locating the lens Lrn having negative refractive power that satisfies the conditional expression (9) on the object side of the focus group, it becomes possible to realize a zoom lens with high optical performance and good chromatic aberrations over the entire wavelength range used. Note that, in terms of good correction of chromatic aberrations, it is more preferable for the lens Lrn to satisfy the above conditional expressions (8) and (9).

[0096] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional expression (9) should preferably be −0.012, and more preferably be −0.010, and the upper limit of conditional expression (9) should preferably be 0.014, and even more preferably be 0.013, and even more preferably be 0.012.

[0097] In this zoom lens, it is preferable that the rear group has a lens Lrn that satisfies the above conditional expression (9) on the object side of the focus group, and also has a lens Lrp that has positive refractive power and satisfies the following conditional expression (9-1):

[0098] (9-1) 0.009< ΔPgFp < 0.060 however, ΔPgFp: In a coordinate system with the partial dispersion ratio on the vertical axis and the Abbe number νd for the d line on the horizontal axis, the deviation of the partial dispersion ratio from the reference line is measured by a line passing through the coordinates of glass material C7, which has a partial dispersion ratio of 0.5393 and νd of 60.49, and the coordinates of glass material F2, which has a partial dispersion ratio of 0.5829 and νd of 36.30.

[0099] Glass materials that satisfy conditional expression (9-1) have high anomalous dispersion and have dispersion characteristics that are quadratic with respect to wavelength. Therefore, by arranging a lens Lrp having positive refractive power that satisfies conditional expression (9-1) together with a lens Lrn that satisfies conditional expression (9) in the rear group, it is possible to realize a zoom lens that exhibits good chromatic aberrations over the entire wavelength range in use.

[0100] 1-2-10.Conditional Expression (10) In the zoom lens, it is preferable that the front group has at least one lens group having negative refractive power, and when the lens group having the largest negative refractive power in the front group is designated as negative lens group n, the following condition is satisfied:

[0101] (10) -2.00 < fn / fw < -0.55 however, fn: focal length of negative lens group n fw: focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end

[0102] Conditional expression (10) defines the ratio between the focal length of the negative lens group n included in the front group and the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end. Satisfying conditional expression (10) makes it easy to widen the angle of view at the wide-angle end while preventing the zoom lens from becoming too large. Furthermore, it is possible to correct curvature of field, coma, distortion, and other aberrations with a small number of lenses, thereby achieving a compact zoom lens with high optical performance.

[0103] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (10) is equal to or less than the lower limit, the refractive power of the negative lens group n, which has the strongest refractive power, in the front group relative to the focal length at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens becomes small, thereby reducing the effect of widening the angle of view achieved by the negative lens group n arranged in the front group. In this case, to achieve a wider angle at the wide-angle end, the outer diameter of the so-called front lens must be increased, making it difficult to achieve a compact zoom lens. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (10) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the refractive power of the negative lens group n, which has the strongest refractive power, in the front group relative to the focal length at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens becomes large. This makes it difficult to correct various aberrations such as field curvature, coma, and distortion. As a result, to achieve a zoom lens with high optical performance, it is necessary to increase the number of lenses for aberration correction, making it difficult to achieve a compact zoom lens.

[0104] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional expression (10) should preferably be −1.90, more preferably −1.80, and even more preferably −1.60, and the upper limit of conditional expression (10) should preferably be −0.58, more preferably −0.62, and even more preferably −0.68.

[0105] 1-2-11.Conditional Expression (11) (11)-0.70 < ff / ft < -0.05 however, ff: focal length of the focus group ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

[0106] Conditional expression (11) above defines the ratio between the focal length of the focus group and the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. When conditional expression (11) is satisfied, the occurrence of axial chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, curvature of field, and other aberrations can be suppressed when focusing on a close subject, resulting in a zoom lens with high optical performance throughout the entire focusing range. Furthermore, when conditional expression (11) is satisfied, the refractive power of the focus group falls within an appropriate range, thereby enabling focus sensitivity to be kept within an appropriate range. When focus sensitivity is within an appropriate range, the amount of movement of the focus group when focusing from an object at infinity to a close object can be kept within an appropriate range, enabling fast autofocusing and facilitating the miniaturization of the zoom lens.

[0107] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (11) is below the lower limit, the focal length of the focus group becomes larger relative to the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. In other words, the refractive power of the focus group becomes too weak. In this case, the focus sensitivity of the focus group becomes too low, resulting in a large amount of movement of the focus group when focusing on a close subject. This requires an air gap to move the focus group, which undesirably increases the overall optical length of the zoom lens. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (11) is above the upper limit, the focal length of the focus group becomes smaller relative to the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. In other words, the refractive power of the focus group becomes too strong. In this case, axial chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, and curvature of field become large when focusing on a close subject, making it difficult to maintain high optical performance throughout the entire focusing range, which is undesirable. Furthermore, in this case, the focus sensitivity of the focus group becomes too high. If the focus sensitivity becomes too high, highly accurate position control is required to correct misalignment of the focusing position, which is undesirable.

[0108] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional expression (11) should preferably be −0.65, even more preferably −0.60, even more preferably −0.55, and even more preferably −0.45, and the upper limit of conditional expression (11) should preferably be −0.08, even more preferably −0.10, and even more preferably −0.12.

[0109] 1-2-12.Conditional Expression (12) In the zoom lens, it is preferable that the focus group has at least one lens Ln having negative refractive power and that the following condition is satisfied:

[0110] (12) 45.0 < νdLn < 98.0 however, νdLn: Abbe number at the d line of lens Ln

[0111] The above conditional expression (12) defines the Abbe number of the lens Ln having negative refractive power included in the focus group. When conditional expression (12) is satisfied, chromatic aberration is corrected well, making it easier to realize a zoom lens with high optical performance. Furthermore, many glass materials that satisfy conditional expression (12) have a relatively low specific gravity, which is also effective in reducing the weight of the focus group.

[0112] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (12) is below the lower limit, the chromatic dispersion of the lens Ln becomes large, making it difficult to correct axial chromatic aberration when focusing on an object at a finite distance, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (12) is above the upper limit, the chromatic dispersion of the lens Ln constituting the focus group becomes small, which is preferable in terms of correcting chromatic aberration. However, glass materials with large Abbe numbers are more expensive than glass materials with small Abbe numbers. While using glass materials with Abbe numbers above the upper limit may be effective in correcting chromatic aberration, the effect is small in terms of cost-effectiveness. Therefore, it is undesirable from a cost perspective to have the value of conditional expression (12) exceed the upper limit.

[0113] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (12) is more preferably 45.5, even more preferably 46.0, even more preferably 47.0, even more preferably 49.0, and even more preferably 51.0, and the upper limit of conditional formula (12) is more preferably 82.0, even more preferably 76.0, even more preferably 68.0, even more preferably 65.0, and even more preferably 62.0.

[0114] 1-2-13.Conditional Expression (13) As described above, it is preferable that the first lens group of the zoom lens moves toward the object side when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. In this case, it is preferable that the following conditional expression (13) be satisfied:

[0115] (13) 0.01 < |X1| / ft < 0.65 however, X1: the amount of movement of the first lens group when the first lens group moves from the most image-side position to the most object-side position where the first lens group can be located during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

[0116] Conditional expression (13) above defines the amount of movement of the first lens group toward the object side when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. When conditional expression (13) is satisfied, the refractive power of the first lens group is appropriate, and the amount of movement during magnification change is within an appropriate range. Therefore, while ensuring a predetermined magnification ratio, the overall optical length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end can be shortened, and the zoom lens can be made more compact.

[0117] On the other hand, when the value of conditional expression (13) is equal to or less than the lower limit, the amount of movement of the first lens group during zooming becomes small. In this case, the refractive power of each lens group must be increased to ensure a predetermined zoom ratio. Increasing the refractive power of each lens group requires a larger number of lenses to correct aberrations such as axial chromatic aberration and spherical aberration, making it difficult to achieve a compact zoom lens. Furthermore, when the value of conditional expression (13) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the amount of movement of the first lens group during zooming becomes large. In this case, if the lens barrel has a nested structure in which an inner barrel portion is housed within an outer barrel portion, designing the lens barrel length to match the overall optical length at the wide-angle end would require doubling the inner barrel portion to house it within the outer barrel portion, complicating the lens barrel structure and increasing the outer diameter of the lens barrel, which is undesirable.

[0118] However, the "amount of movement of the first lens group from the most image-side position to the most object-side position where the first lens group can be located during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end" is equal to the "difference in the optical axial distance between the most image-side position where the first lens group can be located during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end and the most object-side position where the first lens group can be located." Therefore, "X1" can be rephrased as "the optical axial distance between the most image-side position where the first lens group can be located during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end and the most object-side position where the first lens group can be located." For example, if the first lens group moves toward the object while tracing a convex locus toward the image side during zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, X1 is the distance between the apex of the convex locus traced by the first lens group during zooming (the most image-side position) and the position where the first lens group is closest to the object (the most object-side position) at the wide-angle end or the telephoto end. The locus of movement of the first lens group is not particularly limited and may be convex toward the image side as described above, or may be convex toward the object side, or may form an S-shape. Of course, the locus of movement of the first lens group may also be linear.

[0119] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (13) is more preferably 0.05, even more preferably 0.10, even more preferably 0.15, and even more preferably 0.20, while the upper limit of conditional formula (13) is more preferably 0.60, even more preferably 0.55, even more preferably 0.48, and even more preferably 0.46.

[0120] 1-2-14.Conditional Expression (14) (14) 0.01 < Crrf / ft however, Crrf: Radius of curvature of the rear group's surface closest to the object ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

[0121] Conditional expression (14) above defines the ratio of the radius of curvature of the surface of the rear group closest to the object to the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. A positive value for conditional expression (14) means that the surface of the rear group closest to the object is flat or has a convex shape facing the object. When conditional expression (14) is satisfied, the radius of curvature of the surface of the rear group closest to the object falls within an appropriate range for the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end, resulting in a good balance of correction of spherical aberration and coma.

[0122] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (14) is more preferably 0.03, even more preferably 0.06, even more preferably 0.09, and even more preferably 0.10. There are no particular restrictions on the upper limit of conditional formula (14), but if an upper limit is set, it is preferably 500.00, more preferably 50.00, even more preferably 25.00, and even more preferably 12.00.

[0123] 1-2-15.Conditional Expression (15) (15) 0.10 < ffft / ft < 1.00 however, ffft: The composite focal length of all lenses located on the object side of the focus group at the telephoto end ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

[0124] Conditional expression (15) defines the ratio between the composite focal length of all the lenses located closer to the object than the focus group and the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. When conditional expression (15) is satisfied, the composite lateral magnification of all the lens groups located closer to the image than the focus group falls within an appropriate range, making it easy to achieve a compact zoom lens that ensures a predetermined zoom ratio and has high optical performance.

[0125] On the other hand, when the value of conditional expression (15) is equal to or less than the lower limit, the composite focal length of all lenses located closer to the object than the focus group becomes shorter than the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. In this case, the composite lateral magnification of all lens groups located closer to the image than the focus group becomes larger. This increases spherical aberration and field curvature, making it difficult to realize a compact zoom lens with high optical performance, which is undesirable. On the other hand, when the value of conditional expression (15) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the composite focal length of all lenses located closer to the object than the focus group becomes longer than the focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end. In this case, the composite lateral magnification of all lens groups located closer to the image than the focus group becomes smaller. Therefore, to ensure a predetermined zoom ratio, the movement distance of each lens group during zooming must be increased, which makes it difficult to achieve a compact zoom lens along the optical axis, which is undesirable.

[0126] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (15) is more preferably 0.15, even more preferably 0.20, even more preferably 0.25, still more preferably 0.30, still more preferably 0.36, and most preferably 0.40, and the upper limit of conditional formula (15) is more preferably 0.90, even more preferably 0.80, even more preferably 0.70, and still more preferably 0.60.

[0127] 1-2-16.Conditional Expression (16) It is preferable that the zoom lens satisfies the following condition, where the lens surface arranged closest to the focus group in the direction in which the focus group moves when focusing from infinity to a close object is defined as lens surface Lnf:

[0128] (16)0.015 < Drfrt / ft < 1.000 however, Drfrt: The distance on the optical axis between the focus group at the telephoto end and the lens surface Lnf when focused at infinity ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

[0129] Conditional expression (16) defines the distance (distance on the optical axis) between the focus group and the lens surface Lnf that is closest to the focus group in the direction in which the focus group moves when focusing from infinity to a close object. Satisfying conditional expression (16) ensures a sufficient distance for the focus group to move in a predetermined direction when focusing, making it possible to shorten the minimum focusing distance. Satisfying conditional expression (16) is also effective in shortening the minimum focusing distance at the wide-angle end.

[0130] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (16) is equal to or less than the lower limit, it is not possible to ensure the distance required for the focus group to move in a predetermined direction during focusing, making it impossible to shorten the minimum imaging distance, which is undesirable.On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (16) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, the total optical length at the telephoto end becomes long, which is undesirable in terms of miniaturizing the zoom lens.

[0131] The direction in which the focus group moves when focusing from infinity to a close object may be toward the object side or toward the image side. If the direction in which the focus group moves when focusing from infinity to a close object is toward the object side, the lens surface Lnf will be the lens surface located closest to the object side of the focus group. If the direction in which the focus group moves when focusing from infinity to a close object is toward the image side, the lens surface Lnf will be the lens surface located closest to the image side of the focus group.

[0132] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (16) is more preferably 0.020, even more preferably 0.030, and even more preferably 0.040, and the upper limit of conditional formula (16) is more preferably 0.800, even more preferably 0.600, even more preferably 0.400, even more preferably 0.300, and even more preferably 0.250.

[0133] 1-2-17.Conditional Expression (17) (17)-1.50 < fw / ffw < -0.50 however, fw: focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end ffw: Combined focal length of the front group at the wide-angle end

[0134] Conditional expression (17) defines the ratio between the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end and the combined focal length of the front group at the wide-angle end. Satisfying conditional expression (17) makes it easier to achieve a zoom lens with high optical performance using a small number of lens elements.

[0135] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (17) is below the lower limit, the composite focal length of the front group at the wide-angle end becomes shorter relative to the focal length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end, making it difficult to correct aberrations such as curvature of field, coma, and distortion. Therefore, to achieve a zoom lens with high optical performance, it is necessary to increase the number of lenses for aberration correction. In other words, it is not possible to achieve a zoom lens with high optical performance with a small number of lenses, which makes it difficult to miniaturize the zoom lens, which is undesirable. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (17) is above the upper limit, the composite focal length of the front group at the wide-angle end becomes longer relative to the length of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end, which reduces the effect of the front group in widening the angle of view. Therefore, to achieve a wider angle of view at the wide-angle end, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the front lens, which makes it difficult to miniaturize the zoom lens, which is undesirable.

[0136] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (17) should preferably be −1.40, more preferably −1.30, and even more preferably −1.20, and the upper limit of conditional formula (17) should preferably be −0.55, more preferably −0.60, and even more preferably −0.63.

[0137] 1-2-18.Conditional Expression (18) It is more preferable that the zoom lens includes a lens Lp having a positive refractive power that satisfies the following conditional expression (18):

[0138] (18) 15.0 < νdLp < 35.0 νdLp: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lp

[0139] Conditional expression (18) defines the Abbe number of the lens Lp. When conditional expression (18) is satisfied, chromatic aberration is well corrected, and a zoom lens with high optical performance can be realized.

[0140] On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (18) is equal to or less than the lower limit, chromatic aberration will be overcorrected, making it difficult to correct axial chromatic aberration when focusing on an object at a finite distance, which is undesirable. Furthermore, glass materials for which the value of conditional expression (18) is equal to or less than the lower limit are high refractive index materials and are expensive. Therefore, from the viewpoint of cost, it is undesirable for the value of conditional expression (18) to be equal to or less than the lower limit. On the other hand, if the value of conditional expression (18) is equal to or greater than the upper limit, chromatic aberration will be undercorrected, which is undesirable.

[0141] In order to obtain these effects, the lower limit of conditional formula (18) is preferably 18.0, and more preferably 22.0, and the upper limit of conditional formula (18) is preferably 34.0, and more preferably 33.0, and even more preferably 32.0, and even more preferably 31.0, and even more preferably 30.0.

[0142] Although the zoom lens may include multiple lenses Lp, it is preferable that the zoom lens include only one lens Lp, from the viewpoint of achieving high performance while maintaining a compact size of the zoom lens. The arrangement of the lens Lp is not particularly limited, and the lens Lp may be arranged in any lens group of the zoom lens. Arranging the lens Lp in the rear group is preferable because it improves correction of chromatic aberration. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the lens Lp be arranged in the focus group, and it is preferable that the focus group be composed of a single lens unit including the lens Lp. Arranging the lens Lp in the focus group makes it easier to correct axial chromatic aberration when focusing on an object at a finite distance.

[0143] The zoom lens described above can provide a standard zoom lens with high optical performance while reducing the weight of the focus group, and an imaging device equipped with the zoom lens. In particular, the zoom lens can have a focal length of 50 mm (35 mm equivalent) within its zoom range, and the half angle of view (ω) at the wide-angle end can be made larger than 24°.

[0144] 2. Imaging device Next, we will explain the imaging device of the present invention, which is characterized by including the zoom lens of the present invention described above and an imaging element provided on the image plane side of the zoom lens, which converts an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electrical signal.

[0145] Here, the imaging element is not particularly limited, and solid-state imaging elements such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensors and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensors can also be used. The imaging device of the present invention is suitable for imaging devices using such solid-state imaging elements, such as digital cameras and video cameras. The imaging device may also be a fixed-lens imaging device in which the lens is fixed to the housing, or an interchangeable-lens imaging device such as a single-lens reflex camera or mirrorless camera. In particular, the zoom lens of the present invention can ensure a back focus suitable for an interchangeable lens system. Therefore, it is suitable for imaging devices such as single-lens reflex cameras equipped with an optical viewfinder, a phase difference sensor, a reflex mirror for splitting light to these, etc.

[0146] The imaging device of the present invention preferably includes an image processing unit that electrically processes captured image data acquired by the imaging element to change the shape of the captured image, and an image correction data storage unit that stores image correction data, an image correction program, etc., used to process the captured image data in the image processing unit. When a zoom lens is made smaller, distortion (curvature) of the captured image formed on the imaging plane is likely to occur. In this case, it is preferable to store distortion correction data for correcting the distortion of the captured image shape in advance in the image correction data storage unit, and for the image processing unit to correct the distortion of the captured image shape using the distortion correction data stored in the image correction data storage unit. Such an imaging device allows for even smaller zoom lenses, resulting in clearer captured images and a more compact imaging device overall.

[0147] Furthermore, in the imaging device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the image correction data storage unit stores magnification chromatic aberration correction data in advance, and the image processing unit corrects the magnification chromatic aberration of the captured image using the magnification chromatic aberration correction data stored in the image correction data storage unit. By correcting the magnification chromatic aberration, i.e., chromatic distortion, using the image processing unit, it is possible to reduce the number of lenses constituting the optical system. Therefore, with such an imaging device, it is possible to further reduce the size of the zoom lens, thereby obtaining beautiful captured images and reducing the size of the entire imaging device.

[0148] Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. The zoom lenses of the following examples are applicable to imaging devices (optical devices) such as digital cameras, video cameras, and silver halide film cameras. In each lens cross-sectional view, the left side is the object side and the right side is the image plane side. [Example]

[0149] (1) Optical structure of the zoom lens FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the lens configuration at the wide-angle end when focusing on infinity. The zoom lens is composed of, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having positive refractive power. When focusing from an object at infinity to a close object, the fourth lens group G4 moves toward the image along the optical axis. An aperture stop S is located on the object side of the third lens group G3. In this embodiment, the front group consists of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group, and the rear group consists of the third lens group G3, the fourth lens group G4, and the fifth lens group G5. The distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 is the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end."

[0150] The configuration of each lens group will be described below. The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing a negative meniscus lens L1 having a convex shape facing the object side and a convex lens L2, and a positive meniscus lens L3 having a convex shape facing the object side.

[0151] The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object side, a negative meniscus lens L4 with a convex surface facing the object side, a biconcave lens L5, a biconvex lens L6, and a negative meniscus lens L7 with a concave surface facing the object side. The object side surface of the negative meniscus lens L4 is aspheric. Both surfaces of the negative meniscus lens L7 are aspheric.

[0152] The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object side, an aperture stop S, a biconvex lens L8, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L9 and a biconvex lens L10, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L11 and a positive meniscus lens L12 having a convex surface facing the object side, a biconvex lens L13, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L14 and a biconvex lens L15, and a biconvex lens L16. The image side surface of the biconvex lens L8 is aspheric, and the object side surface of the biconcave lens L11 is aspheric. The biconcave lens L14 is the above-mentioned lens Lrn, and the biconvex lens L15 is the above-mentioned lens Lrp. The ΔPgF of the biconcave lens L14 is 0.000, and the ΔPgFp of the biconvex lens L14 is 0.0375.

[0153] The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a positive meniscus lens L17 having a convex shape facing the image side and a biconcave lens L18. The fourth lens group G4 is composed only of cemented lenses having negative refractive power, with the positive meniscus lens L17 being the lens Lp and the biconcave lens L18 being the lens Ln.

[0154] The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object side, a biconvex lens L19 and a negative meniscus lens L20 with a concave surface facing the object side, the object side surface of the negative meniscus lens L20 being the lens surface Sr.

[0155] In the zoom lens of Example 1, when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 moves toward the object side relative to the image plane, the second lens group G2 moves toward the image side, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object side, the fourth lens group G4 moves toward the object side, and the fifth lens group G5 is fixed in the optical axis direction.

[0156] When image blur occurs due to camera shake or other factors during image capture, the third lens group G3 includes a cemented lens formed by cementing together a biconcave lens L11 and a positive meniscus lens L12 with a convex surface facing the object side, and the cemented lens acts as an image stabilization group. The image is shifted by moving the image stabilization group in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby correcting image blur. The biconcave lens L11 is the lens Lvcn described above, and the positive meniscus lens L12 is the lens Lvcp described above. The object-side surface of the biconcave lens L11 has an aspheric shape that weakens its refractive power below that determined by its paraxial curvature.

[0157] Furthermore, "IMG" in Figure 1 denotes an image plane, specifically the imaging surface of a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, or the film surface of a silver halide film. A parallel plate with no substantial refractive power, such as a cover glass CG, is provided on the object side of the image plane IMG. These points are the same in the lens cross-sectional views shown in other embodiments, and therefore will not be described below.

[0158] (2) Numerical examples Next, we will explain numerical examples that apply specific numerical values ​​of this zoom lens. Table 1 shows the surface data of this zoom lens. In Table 1, the "surface number" indicates the order of the lens surface counted from the object side, "r" indicates the radius of curvature of the lens surface, "d" indicates the axial spacing of the lens surface, "Nd" indicates the refractive index for the d-line (wavelength λ=587.6 nm), "νd" indicates the Abbe number for the d-line, and "H" indicates the effective radius. Additionally, "ASP" displayed in the column following the surface number indicates that the lens surface is aspherical, and "S" indicates the aperture stop. Furthermore, "D5," "D13," and other characters in the column for the axial spacing of lens surfaces indicate that the axial spacing of the lens surfaces is a variable spacing that changes during magnification or focusing. Note that all length units in each table are "mm," and all angle of view units are "°." Additionally, "0.0000" for the radius of curvature indicates a flat surface. Note that surfaces 37 and 38 in Table 1 represent surface data for cover glass CG.

[0159] Table 2 shows the specifications of this zoom lens. This table shows the focal length (f), F-number (Fno), half angle of view (ω), image height (Y), and total optical length (TL) of the zoom lens when focused at infinity. However, Table 2 shows the respective values ​​at the wide-angle end, mid-focal length state, and telephoto end, from left to right.

[0160] Table 3 shows the variable spacing on the optical axis of the zoom lens when changing magnification. Starting from the left, Table 3 shows the values ​​at the wide-angle end, at the mid-focal length state, and when focusing on infinity at the telephoto end. In the table, "INF" stands for "∞ (infinity)."

[0161] Table 4 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when in focus. Table 4 also shows the values ​​when the shooting distance (image capture distance) is 380.00 mm, 400.00 mm, and 400.00 mm at the wide-angle end, mid-focal length state, and telephoto end, respectively. These shooting distances are the shortest image capture distances for each focal length.

[0162] Table 5 shows the focal length of each lens group that makes up the zoom lens.

[0163] Table 6 shows the aspherical coefficients of each aspherical surface. The aspherical coefficients are values ​​when each aspherical shape is defined by the following formula. Table 25 also shows the values ​​of each of conditional formulas (1) to (18).

[0164] X(Y)=CY 2 / [1+{1-(1+Κ)·C 2 Y 2} 1 / 2 ]+A4·Y 4 +A6·Y 6 +A8·Y 8 +A10·Y 10 +A12·Y 12

[0165] However, in Table 6, "Ea" is "×10 -a In the above formula, "X" is the amount of displacement from the reference surface in the optical axis direction, "C" is the curvature at the surface vertex, "Y" is the height from the optical axis in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, "K" is the conic coefficient, and "An" is the n-th order aspheric coefficient. The matters relating to these tables are the same as those in the tables shown in the other embodiments, and therefore, explanations thereof will be omitted below.

[0166] [Table 1] Surface number rd Nd vd H 1 164.8841 1.300 2.00069 25.46 31.000 2 106.9087 5.753 1.59282 68.62 30.327 3 2049.3432 0.200 30.056 4 64.4678 5.097 1.59282 68.62 28.300 5 127.7370 D5 27.808 6 ASP 66.2535 1.400 1.87483 41.12 18.405 7 16.5245 8.916 13.821 8 -116.2454 0.800 1.85680 41.86 13.668 9 56.4149 0.200 13.446 10 61.8227 9.135 1.73319 26.22 13.451 11 -25.7135 0.300 13.288 12 ASP -22.4217 1.200 1.70845 51.27 13.182 13 ASP -103.8458 D13 13.108 14 S 0.0000 1.200 8.858 15 44.2087 3.473 1.69350 53.18 12.906 16 ASP -219.2615 1.536 12.944 17 -866.8618 0.800 1.84984 37.32 13.064 18 94.5183 4.469 1.59282 68.62 13.156 19 -44.7943 0.300 13.283 20 ASP -82.7341 0.900 1.74007 48.57 13.312 21 56.0779 2.635 1.84666 23.78 13.331 22 183.1346 2.578 13.356 23 41.0183 5.387 1.74192 48.43 13.775 24 -63.8393 0.200 13.624 25 -539.6209 0.800 1.97110 29.19 13.071 26 20.6597 6.228 1.49700 81.61 12.253 27 -111.4492 0.238 12.264 28 51.0216 5.332 1.61800 63.39 12.159 29 -79.8317 D29 11.800 30 -139.9604 2.500 1.80809 22.76 9.380 31 -31.1560 0.900 1.69350 53.18 9.408 32 ASP 23.4283 D32 9.411 33 246.3353 7.306 1.59282 68.62 14.773 34 -27.2244 0.200 15.146 35 -31.7701 0.800 1.80897 38.14 15.013 36 -80.5852 D36 15.522 37 0.0000 2.000 1.51680 64.20 20.964 38 0.0000 1.000 21.170

[0167] [Table 2] f 24.695 59.995 101.989 Fno 4.119 4.120 4.119 ω 42.156 19.074 11.409 Y 21.633 21.633 21.633 TL 170.000 186.493 207.607

[0168] [Table 3] f 24.695 59.995 101.989 Shooting distance INF INF INF D5 1.000 27.253 51.899 D13 38.860 10.474 1.300 D29 1.242 8.791 13.609 D32 7.117 18.194 19.019 D36 36.700 36.700 36.700

[0169] [Table 4] Shooting distance 380.000 400.000 400.000 D29 1.825 11.176 19.899 D32 6.535 15.809 12.728

[0170] [Table 5] Group face number focus distance G1 1-5 150.486 G2 6-13 -21.265 G3 14-29 27.830 G4 30-32 -31.313 G5 33-36 114.076

[0171] [Table 6] Noodle Number K A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 6 0 -1.8735E-06 2.9593E-09 -1.3867E-11 1.5854E-14 -8.4316E-18 12 0 3.0985E-05 -3.0498E-07 2.1696E-09 -7.7151E-12 1.1327E-14 13 0 1.7444E-05 -3.0958E-07 2.0521E-09 -7.3574E-12 1.0024E-14 16 0 1.2534E-05 -6.6064E-09 8.6021E-11 -4.2944E-13 9.2479E-16 20 0 2.1197E-06 -8.9016E-09 6.0935E-11 -2.0221E-13 2.6903E-16 32 0 1.9583E-06 1.0589E-08 -4.3641E-10 3.7956E-12 -1.3630E-14

[0172] 2 to 4 show longitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens of Example 1 at the wide-angle end, the intermediate focal length state, and the telephoto end when focusing on infinity. The longitudinal aberration diagrams shown in each diagram, from left to right, show spherical aberration (mm), astigmatism (mm), and distortion (%), respectively. In the diagrams showing spherical aberration, the vertical axis represents the ratio to the maximum aperture F-number, and the horizontal axis represents defocus. The solid line represents spherical aberration at the d-line (wavelength λ=587.6 nm), the dashed-dotted line represents spherical aberration at the g-line (wavelength λ=435.8 nm), and the dotted line represents spherical aberration at the C-line (wavelength λ=656.3 nm). In the diagrams showing astigmatism, the vertical axis represents image height, the horizontal axis represents defocus, and the solid line represents the sagittal image plane (ds) relative to the d-line, and the dotted line represents the meridional image plane (dm) relative to the d-line. In the diagrams showing distortion, the vertical axis represents image height and the horizontal axis represents distortion in %. The matters relating to these longitudinal aberration diagrams are the same as those shown in the longitudinal aberration diagrams of other examples, and therefore will not be described below.

[0173] The back focus "fb" of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end when focused on infinity is as follows: Note that the following value does not include the cover glass (Nd=1.5168), and the same applies to the back focus shown in other examples. fb= 39.019(mm) [Example]

[0174] (1) Optical structure of the zoom lens FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the lens configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 2 of the present invention when focusing on infinity at the wide-angle end. This zoom lens is composed of, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, a third lens group G3 having negative refractive power, and a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power. When focusing from an object at infinity to a close object, the third lens group G3 moves toward the image along the optical axis. An aperture stop S is located closest to the image side of the second lens group G2. In this example, the front group consists of the first lens group G1, and the rear group consists of the second lens group G2, the third lens group G3, and the fourth lens group G4. The distance between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2 is the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end."

[0175] The configuration of each lens group will be explained below. The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object side, a negative meniscus lens L1 with a convex shape facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens L2 with a convex shape facing the object side, and a positive meniscus lens L3 with a convex shape facing the object side. The image side surface of the negative meniscus lens L1 is aspheric.

[0176] The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object side, a positive meniscus lens L4 with a convex surface facing the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a negative meniscus lens L5 with a convex surface facing the object side and a biconvex lens L6, and an aperture stop S. Both surfaces of the positive meniscus lens L4 are aspheric. The negative meniscus lens L5 is the above-mentioned lens Lrn. The ΔPgF of the negative meniscus lens L5 is 0.0137.

[0177] The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a positive meniscus lens L7 with a convex shape facing the image side and a biconcave lens L8. The third lens group G3 is composed entirely of cemented lenses having negative refractive power, with the positive meniscus lens L7 being the lens Lp and the biconcave lens L8 being the lens Ln.

[0178] The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object side, a positive meniscus lens L9 convex toward the image side, and a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconvex lens L10 and a negative meniscus lens L11 concave toward the object side. The positive meniscus lens L9 is the lens Lrp. The ΔPgFp of the positive meniscus lens L9 is 0.0375. The object side surface of the negative meniscus lens L11 is the lens surface Sr.

[0179] In the zoom lens of Example 2, when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 moves toward the image side, the second lens group G2 moves toward the object side, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object side, and the fourth lens group G4 moves toward the object side relative to the image plane.

[0180] When image blur occurs due to camera shake or the like during image capture, the second lens group G2 serves as an image stabilization group, and the image is shifted by moving the image stabilization group in a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby correcting image blur. The negative meniscus lens L5 is the lens Lvcn described above, and the positive meniscus lens L4 and the biconvex lens L6 are the lenses Lvcp described above. The value (37.770) of conditional formula (3) in Table 25 is the value when the Abbe number of the biconvex lens L6 is vdLvcp. When the Abbe number of the positive meniscus lens L4 is vdLvcp, the value of conditional formula (3) becomes 37.890. Both surfaces of the positive meniscus lens L4 are aspherical, and the aspherical shape of the object-side surface makes the refractive power weaker than that determined from its paraxial curvature.

[0181] (2) Numerical examples Next, we will explain numerical examples that apply specific numerical values ​​of the zoom lens. Table 7 shows surface data of the zoom lens, and Table 8 shows a specification table of the zoom lens. Note that surfaces 21 and 22 in Table 7 are surface data of the cover glass CG.

[0182] Table 9 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when changing magnification, and Table 10 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when focusing. Table 10 also shows values ​​when the shooting distances (image capture distances) are 230.00 mm, 250.00 mm, and 250.00 mm at the wide-angle end, mid-focal length state, and telephoto end, respectively. These shooting distances are the shortest image capture distances for each focal length.

[0183] Table 11 shows the focal length of each lens group that makes up the zoom lens. Table 12 shows the aspherical coefficients of each aspherical surface. Table 25 shows the values ​​of conditional expressions (1) to (18).

[0184] 6 to 8 show longitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens of Example 2 at the wide-angle end, in the intermediate focal length state, and at the telephoto end when focusing on infinity, respectively.

[0185] Furthermore, the back focus of the zoom lens when focused at infinity at the wide-angle end is as follows: fb = 38.002(mm)

[0186] [Table 7] Surface number rd Nd vd H 1 664.2203 2.000 1.59201 67.02 19.685 2 ASP 12.4206 9.063 14.659 3 99.0474 1.700 1.83400 37.34 14.679 4 44.9342 0.382 14.536 5 27.4552 4.648 1.76182 26.61 15.052 6 82.1402 D6 14.800 7 ASP 27.5225 4.248 1.61881 63.85 8.001 8 ASP 341.9552 3.733 7.928 9 41.6779 1.000 1.84666 23.78 7.889 10 17.5890 4.766 1.51680 64.20 7.701 11 -20.4065 1.000 7.687 12 S 0.0000 D12 6.788 13 -43.8890 2.597 1.84666 23.78 6.245 14 -13.2199 1.000 1.80420 46.50 6.132 15 29.7835 D15 5.859 16 -217.0738 2.391 1.49700 81.61 5.867 17 -18.3135 0.300 5.905 18 63.0476 2.475 1.49700 81.61 5.747 19 -21.3360 1.000 1.83481 42.72 5.607 20 -161.5834 D20 5.569 21 0.0000 2.000 1.51680 64.20 13.865 22 0.0000 1.000 14.225

[0187] [Table 8] f 18.538 28.896 53.339 Fno 3.605 4.550 5.767 ω 38.587 26.428 14.755 Y 14.200 14.200 14.200 TL 133.849 122.674 120.000

[0188] [Table 9] f 18.538 28.896 53.339 Image distance INF INF INF D6 43.626 20.912 1.273 D12 2.450 4.207 10.084 D15 6.788 8.311 7.450 D20 35.683 43.942 55.891

[0189] [Table 10] Shooting distance: 230.000 250.000 250.000 D12 3.300 5.738 15.028 D15 5.938 6.780 2.500

[0190] [Table 11] Group face number focus distance G1 1-6 -28.619 G2 7-12 23.772 G3 13-15 -22.745 G4 16-20 44.047

[0191] [Table 12] Noodle Number K A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 2 -0.864 9.3680E-06 2.0539E-09 4.6218E-11 7.4937E-15 0.0000E+00 7 0 -1.1011E-05 5.5255E-08 -2.4435E-09 0.0000E+00 0.0000E+00 8 0 2.2843E-05 7.6512E-08 -2.5280E-09 0.0000E+00 0.0000E+00 [Example]

[0192] (1) Optical structure of the zoom lens FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the lens configuration of a zoom lens according to Example 3 of the present invention when focusing on infinity at the wide-angle end. The zoom lens is composed of, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and a sixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. When focusing from an object at infinity to a close object, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image along the optical axis. An aperture stop S is located closest to the object side of the third lens group G3. In Example 3, the front group consists of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and the rear group consists of the third lens group G3, the fourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens group G6. The distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 is the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end."

[0193] The configuration of each lens group will be described below. The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a negative meniscus lens L1 with a convex shape facing the object side and a convex lens L2, and a positive meniscus lens L3 with a convex shape facing the object side.

[0194] The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object side, a negative meniscus lens L4 convex toward the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a biconcave lens L5 and a biconvex lens L6, and a negative meniscus lens L7 concave toward the object side. The object side surface of the negative meniscus lens L4 is aspheric, and both surfaces of the negative meniscus lens L7 are aspheric.

[0195] The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object side, an aperture stop S, a cemented lens formed by cementing together three lenses: a negative meniscus lens L8 convex toward the object side, a biconvex lens L9, and a negative meniscus lens L10 concave toward the object side; and a biconvex lens L11. The biconvex lens L11 is the lens Lp. The biconvex lens L9 is the lens Lrp. The ΔPgF of the biconvex lens L9 is 0.0194.

[0196] The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconvex lens L12 and a negative meniscus lens L13 with a concave surface facing the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L14 and a positive meniscus lens L15 with a convex surface facing the image side, and a biconvex lens L16. The object side surface of the biconvex lens L12 is aspheric, and both surfaces of the biconvex lens L16 are aspheric. The biconcave lens L14 is the above-mentioned lens Lrn, and the positive meniscus lens L15 is the above-mentioned lens Lrp. The ΔPgF of the biconcave lens L14 is 0.0036, and the ΔPgFp of the positive meniscus lens L15 is 0.0194.

[0197] The fifth lens group G5 is composed of a biconcave lens L17 with aspherical surfaces on both sides, that is, it is composed of only one single lens element having negative refractive power, and this biconcave lens L17 corresponds to the above-mentioned lens Ln.

[0198] The sixth lens group G6 is composed of a positive meniscus lens L18 having a convex shape facing the image side. The object side surface of the positive meniscus lens L18 is the lens surface Sr.

[0199] In the zoom lens of Example 3, when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 moves toward the object side relative to the image plane, the second lens group G2 moves once toward the image side and then moves toward the object side, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object side, the fourth lens group G4 moves toward the object side, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the object side, and the sixth lens group G6 moves once toward the image side and then moves toward the object side.

[0200] When image blur occurs due to camera shake or other factors during image capture, the fourth lens group G4 includes a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconvex lens L12 and a negative meniscus lens L13 with a concave object-side surface, and the cemented lens acts as an image stabilization group. The image is shifted by moving the image stabilization group in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby correcting image blur. The negative meniscus lens L13 is the lens Lvcn, and the biconvex lens L12 is the lens Lvcp. The object-side surface of the biconvex lens L12 has an aspheric shape that weakens its refractive power below that determined by its paraxial curvature.

[0201] (2) Numerical examples Next, we will explain numerical examples that apply specific numerical values ​​of the zoom lens. Table 13 shows surface data of the zoom lens, and Table 14 shows a specification table of the zoom lens. Note that surfaces 33 and 34 in Table 13 are surface data of the cover glass CG.

[0202] Table 15 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when changing magnification, and Table 16 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when focusing. Table 16 also shows values ​​when the shooting distances (image capture distances) are 380.00 mm, 400.00 mm, and 400.00 mm at the wide-angle end, mid-focal length state, and telephoto end, respectively. These shooting distances are the shortest image capture distances for each focal length.

[0203] Table 17 shows the focal length of each lens group that constitutes the zoom lens. Table 18 shows the aspherical coefficients of each aspherical surface. Table 25 shows the values ​​of conditional expressions (1) to (18).

[0204] 10 to 12 show longitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens of Example 3 at the wide-angle end, in the intermediate focal length state, and at the telephoto end when focusing on infinity, respectively.

[0205] Furthermore, the back focus of the zoom lens when focused at infinity at the wide-angle end is as follows: fb= 39.000(mm)

[0206] [Table 13] Surface number rd Nd vd H 1 323.7548 1.200 1.92119 23.96 31.000 2 162.8221 5.378 1.59282 68.62 30.511 3 -416.6201 0.200 30.309 4 52.5783 6.103 1.59282 68.62 27.700 5 117.8837 D5 27.204 6 ASP 205.3924 0.300 1.51460 49.96 17.800 7 92.8554 1.000 1.72916 54.67 17.549 8 16.2034 9.149 12.854 9 -33.2034 0.800 1.49700 81.61 12.685 10 23.5127 7.798 1.72047 34.71 11.846 11 -53.7846 2.177 11.330 12 ASP -24.1046 1.000 1.85135 40.10 11.000 13 ASP -39.5928 D13 11.078 14 S 0.0000 1.000 7.350 15 33.5262 0.800 2.00100 29.13 11.263 16 22.1705 7.146 1.59282 68.62 11.130 17 -24.7861 0.800 1.80610 40.73 11.214 18 -1553.7806 0.200 11.601 19 45.5555 3.337 1.94595 17.98 11.975 20 -11420.0602 D20 11.917 21 ASP 73.0633 5.117 1.59282 68.62 11.798 22 -34.4056 0.800 1.94595 17.98 11.608 23 -44.4387 0.200 12.500 24 -252.4796 0.800 2.00100 29.13 11.189 25 21.7316 3.716 1.59282 68.62 10.757 26 44.7795 0.200 10.768 27 ASP 32.9204 6.239 1.82098 42.50 10.900 28 ASP -56.3856 D28 10.951 29 ASP -177.3325 1.000 1.59201 67.02 11.450 30 ASP 29.2491 D30 11.132 31 -331.6955 2.594 1.87070 40.73 13.305 32 -82.1148 D32 13.500 33 0.0000 2.000 1.51680 64.20 21.332 34 0.0000 1.000 21.528

[0207] [table 14] f 25,752 51,482 101,851 Fno 4.123 4.108 4.120 hours 41,307 22,170 11,633 Y 21,633 21,633 21,633 TL 150.364 161.368 203.864

[0208] [Table 15] f 25.752 51.482 101.851 Image distance INF INF INF D5 1.000 17.096 42.593 D13 25.849 6.747 1.000 D20 4.201 2.583 1.000 D28 0.997 5.217 1.003 D30 9.581 13.836 20.242 D32 36.681 43.834 65.971

[0209] [Table 16] Shooting distance: 380.000 400.000 400.000 D28 1.933 7.951 7.855 D30 8.645 11.101 13.390

[0210] [Table 17] Group face number focus distance G1 1-5 114.642 G2 6-13 -20.988 G3 14-20 42.458 G4 21-28 45.184 G5 29-30 -42.335 G6 31-32 124.734

[0211] [Table 18] Noodle Number K A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 6 0 1.2837E-05 -2.1442E-08 5.5949E-11 -1.1996E-13 1.5377E-16 12 0 -8.7531E-06 8.6202E-08 -3.3258E-10 5.1244E-13 -9.3573E-16 13 0 -9.7742E-06 7.6139E-08 -3.0250E-10 3.5047E-13 0.0000E+00 21 0 -5.5002E-06 -1.6789E-08 8.7410E-11 -3.4776E-13 7.7049E-16 27 0 -3.5514E-06 2.9946E-08 3.3719E-10 -1.8317E-12 1.2820E-14 28 0 7.9983E-06 -1.0254E-09 7.7608E-10 -5.3802E-12 2.7034E-14 29 0 -1.2178E-05 1.5756E-07 -1.0359E-09 2.8436E-12 0.0000E+00 30 0 -1.5518E-05 1.5764E-07 -1.0926E-09 2.8672E-12 2.0668E-15 [Example]

[0212] (1) Optical structure of the zoom lens FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the lens configuration of a zoom lens of Example 4 at the wide-angle end when focusing on infinity. The zoom lens is composed of, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 having positive refractive power, a fifth lens group G5 having negative refractive power, and a sixth lens group G6 having positive refractive power. When focusing from an object at infinity to a close object, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the image along the optical axis. An aperture stop S is located closest to the object side of the third lens group G3. In this example, the front group consists of the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and the rear group consists of the third lens group G3, the fourth lens group G4, the fifth lens group G5, and the sixth lens group G6. The distance between the second lens group G2 and the third lens group G3 is the "widest air gap at the wide-angle end."

[0213] The configuration of each lens group will be described below. The first lens group G1 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a negative meniscus lens L1 with a convex shape facing the object side and a convex lens L2, and a positive meniscus lens L3 with a convex shape facing the object side.

[0214] The second lens group G2 is composed of, in order from the object side, a negative meniscus lens L4 with a convex surface facing the object side, a biconcave lens L5, a biconvex lens L6, and a negative meniscus lens L7 with a concave surface facing the object side. The object side surface of the negative meniscus lens L4 is aspheric, and both surfaces of the negative meniscus lens L7 are aspheric.

[0215] The third lens group G3 is composed of, in order from the object side, an aperture stop S, a biconvex lens L8, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L9 and a biconvex lens L10, and a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L11 and a positive meniscus lens L12 having a convex shape facing the object side. The image side surface of the biconvex lens L8 and the object side surface of the biconcave lens L11 are aspheric. The biconvex lens L10 is the above-mentioned lens Lrp. The ΔPgFp of the biconvex lens L10 is 0.0194.

[0216] The fourth lens group G4 is composed of, in order from the object side, a biconvex lens L13, a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L14 and a biconvex lens L15, and a biconvex lens L16. The biconcave lens L14 is the above-mentioned lens Lrn, and the biconvex lens L15 is the above-mentioned lens Lrp. The ΔPgF of the biconcave lens L14 is 0.000, and the ΔPgFp of the biconvex lens L15 is 0.0375.

[0217] The fifth lens group G5 is composed of, in order from the object side, a cemented lens formed by cementing together a positive meniscus lens L17 having a convex shape facing the image side and a biconcave lens L18. The fifth lens group G5 is composed only of cemented lenses having negative refractive power, with the positive meniscus lens L17 being the lens Lp and the biconcave lens L18 being the lens Ln.

[0218] The sixth lens group G6 is composed of a cemented lens in which, in order from the object side, a biconvex lens L19 and a negative meniscus lens L20 having a concave shape facing the object side are cemented together.

[0219] In the zoom lens of Example 4, when changing magnification from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 moves toward the object side, the second lens group G2 moves toward the image side, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object side, the fourth lens group G4 moves toward the object side, the fifth lens group G5 moves toward the object side, and the sixth lens group G6 is fixed in the optical axis direction relative to the image plane.

[0220] When image blur occurs due to camera shake or other factors during image capture, the third lens group G3 includes a cemented lens formed by cementing a biconcave lens L11 and a positive meniscus lens L12 with a convex surface facing the object side, and the cemented lens acts as an image stabilization group. The image is shifted by moving the image stabilization group in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby correcting image blur. The biconcave lens L11 is the lens Lvcn described above, and the positive meniscus lens L12 is the lens Lvcp described above. The object-side surface of the biconcave lens L11 has an aspheric shape that weakens its refractive power below that determined by its paraxial curvature.

[0221] (2) Numerical examples Next, we will explain numerical examples that apply specific numerical values ​​of the zoom lens. Table 19 shows surface data of the zoom lens, and Table 20 shows a specification table of the zoom lens. Note that surfaces 36 and 37 in Table 19 are surface data of the cover glass CG.

[0222] Table 21 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when changing magnification, and Table 22 shows the variable distances on the optical axis of the zoom lens when focusing. Table 22 also shows values ​​when the shooting distances (image capture distances) are 380.00 mm, 400.00 mm, and 400.00 mm at the wide-angle end, mid-focal length state, and telephoto end, respectively. These shooting distances are the shortest image capture distances for each focal length.

[0223] Table 23 shows the focal length of each lens group that makes up the zoom lens. Table 24 shows the aspherical coefficients of each aspherical surface. Table 25 shows the values ​​of conditional expressions (1) to (18).

[0224] 14 to 16 show longitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens of Example 4 at the wide-angle end, in the intermediate focal length state, and at the telephoto end when focusing on infinity, respectively.

[0225] Furthermore, the back focus of the zoom lens when focused at infinity at the wide-angle end is as follows: fb= 39.437(mm)

[0226] [Table 19] Surface number rd Nd vd H 1 234.7666 1.300 2.00069 25.46 31.000 2 138.4148 5.791 1.59282 68.62 30.558 3 -680.0462 0.200 30.302 4 69.5724 5.230 1.59282 68.62 28.400 5 161.1477 D5 27.926 6 ASP 79.5439 1.400 1.86791 41.50 18.481 7 16.1943 8.900 13.716 8 -318.2547 0.800 1.87450 36.30 13.541 9 45.1827 0.309 13.327 10 51.2199 8.660 1.73426 26.35 13.336 11 -25.6352 0.451 13.228 12 ASP -20.9608 1.200 1.77115 48.40 13.152 13 ASP -64.5265 D13 13.100 14 S 0.0000 1.200 8.750 15 53.1982 3.548 1.69350 53.18 12.260 16 ASP -79.4200 1.520 12.346 17 -266.2503 0.800 1.82595 41.71 12.461 18 88.0772 4.260 1.59282 68.62 12.571 19 -42.6289 0.624 12.691 20 ASP -78.1987 0.900 1.74974 49.75 12.900 21 60.1253 2.368 1.84666 23.78 12.727 22 185.3061 D22 12.759 23 47.5209 5.193 1.68881 54.43 13.170 24 -55.0964 0.200 13.066 25 -327.0636 0.800 1.96229 29.86 12.625 26 22.8885 6.220 1.49700 81.61 12.075 27 -77.0078 0.350 12.125 28 73.7860 5.020 1.61800 63.39 12.044 29 -73.2609 D29 11.750 30 -207.6716 2.500 1.80809 22.76 9.380 31 -36.7222 0.900 1.69350 53.18 9.429 32 ASP 22.1640 D32 9.493 33 52.7180 6.495 1.59282 68.62 15.993 34 -73.2205 0.800 1.69206 30.32 16.171 35 -416.6667 37.118 16.374 36 0.0000 2.000 1.51680 64.20 21.005 37 0.0000 1.000 21.342

[0227] [Table 20] f 24.839 59.958 102.474 Fno 4.121 4.119 4.120 ω 41.981 18.973 11.267 Y 21.633 21.633 21.633 TL 169.752 174.603 207.241

[0228] [Table 21] f 24.839 59.958 102.474 Image distance INF INF INF D5 1.000 20.275 53.597 D13 38.216 6.180 1.360 D22 4.143 3.278 2.700 D29 1.179 12.168 13.313 D32 7.156 14.643 18.212

[0229] [Table 22] Shooting distance: 380.000 400.000 400.000 D29 1.849 15.198 20.630 D32 6.486 11.613 10.895

[0230] [Table 23] Group face number focus distance G1 1-5 140.430 G2 6-13 -21.836 G3 14-22 56.376 G4 23-29 39.322 G5 30-32 -31.033 G6 33-37 86.738

[0231] [Table 24] Surface number Κ A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 6 0 -3.5121E-07 1.2475E-09 -1.8924E-11 2.0318E-14 -9.3027E-18 12 0 3.4527E-05 -2.8731E-07 2.1583E-09 -7.5699E-12 1.1133E-14 13 0 1.8666E-05 -3.0289E-07 2.0678E-09 -7.5735E-12 1.0314E-14 16 0 1.3999E-05 -4.6523E-09 4.5363E-11 -3.1634E-13 9.7102E-16 20 0 2.6081E-06 -9.1362E-09 6.1882E-11 -2.3937E-13 3.9842E-16 32 0 -4.4734E-06 3.3579E-09 -4.8480E-10 4.0227E-12 -1.3728E-14

[0232] [Table 25] Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Conditional expression (1) Cr1f / fw 6.677 35.830 12.572 9.452 Conditional expression (2) (-ffw+Dfrw) / FBw 1.714 1.901 1.422 1.703 Conditional expression (3) 1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)| 46.591 37.770 24.364 45.555 Conditional expression (4) |(1-βvct)×βvctr| 1.194 4.004 1.682 1.198 Conditional expression (5) (Crff+Crfr) / (Crff-Crfr) 0.713 0.191 0.717 0.807 Conditional expression (6) |{1-(βft 2 )}×βftr 2 | 5.419 4.437 5.061 4.609 Conditional expression (6-1) |βft| 3.756 5.520 5.034 4.451 Conditional expression (7) |fw×tanωw| / (fsr-FBw) -0.197 -0.141 -0.029 -0.017 Conditional expression (8) NdLrn 1.971 1.847 2.001 1.962 Conditional expression (9) ΔPgF 0.000 0.014 0.004 0.000 Conditional expression (9-1) ΔPgFp 0.038 0.038 0.019 0.038 Conditional expression (10) fn / fw -0.861 -1.544 -0.815 -0.879 Conditional expression (11) ff / ft -0.307 -0.426 -0.416 -0.303 Conditional expression (12) νdLn 53.186 46.503 67.023 53.186 Conditional expression (13) |X1| / ft 0.369 0.260 0.525 0.366 Conditional expression (14) Crrf / ft 0.433 0.516 0.329 0.519 Conditional expression (15) ffft / ft 0.414 0.467 0.435 0.454 Conditional expression (16) Drfrt / ft 0.186 0.140 0.199 0.178 Conditional expression (17) fw / ffw -0.920 -0.648 -0.900 -0.895 Conditional expression (18) νdLp 22.761 23.785 17.980 22.761 [Industrial Applicability]

[0233] The present invention provides a standard zoom lens with high optical performance and a lightweight focus group and image stabilization group, and an imaging device equipped with the zoom lens. The zoom lens is particularly suitable for a zoom lens with a focal length of 50 mm (35 mm equivalent) within its zoom range and a half angle of view (ω) of more than 24° at the wide-angle end. [Explanation of symbols]

[0234] G1: First lens group G2: Second lens group G3: Third lens group G4: Fourth lens group G5: Fifth lens group G6: 6th lens group F Focus group S Aperture CG ···Cover glass IMG...Image plane

Claims

1. With the widest air gap at the wide-angle end as the boundary, the lens group located on the object side is the front group, and the lens group located on the image side is the rear group, the front group has a negative refractive power as a whole, the rear group has a positive refractive power as a whole, and the magnification is changed from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end by changing the air space between the lens groups so as to reduce the air space between at least the front group and the rear group, a focus group disposed within the rear group and moving in the optical axis direction when focusing from infinity to a close object; an image stabilization group disposed closer to the object than the focus group and movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; Including, the rear group has at least one lens Lrn having negative refractive power located closer to the object side than the focus group, The focus group has at least one lens Ln having negative refractive power. the image stabilization group includes at least one lens Lvcn having negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp having positive refractive power, At least one of the lenses Lvcn and at least one of the lenses Lvcp are cemented together, A zoom lens characterized by satisfying the following conditions: (3) 46.591≦1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)|<70.00 (6-1) 3.60 < | {1 - (βft × βft)} × βftr × βftr | < 15.00 (8-1) 1.962 ≦ NdLrn < 2.10 (12) 45.0 < νdLn < 98.0 however, νdLvcn: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcn νdLvcp: Abbe number at d line of the lens Lvcp NdLrn: refractive index of the lens Lrn at the d line βft: lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focused on infinity βftr: composite lateral magnification at the telephoto end of all lenses arranged on the image side of the focus group when focused at infinity νdLn: Abbe number at d line of lens Ln

2. With the widest air gap at the wide-angle end as the boundary, the lens group located on the object side is the front group, and the lens group located on the image side is the rear group, the front group has a negative refractive power as a whole, the rear group has a positive refractive power as a whole, and the magnification is changed from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end by changing the air space between the lens groups so as to reduce the air space between at least the front group and the rear group, a focus group disposed within the rear group and moving in the optical axis direction when focusing from infinity to a close object; an image stabilization group disposed closer to the object than the focus group and movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; Including, the rear group has at least one lens Lrn having negative refractive power located closer to the object side than the focus group, the image stabilization group includes at least one lens Lvcn having negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp having positive refractive power, At least one of the lenses Lvcn and at least one of the lenses Lvcp are cemented together, the focus group includes at least one lens Lp having a positive refractive power, A zoom lens characterized by satisfying the following conditions: (3) 46.591≦1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)|<70.00 (6-2) 4.609≦|{1−(βft×βft)}×βftr×βftr|<15.00 (8-1) 1.962 ≦ NdLrn < 2.10 (18) 22.761 ≦ νdLp < 35.0 however, νdLvcn: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcn νdLvcp: Abbe number at d line of the lens Lvcp NdLrn: refractive index of the lens Lrn at the d line βft: lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focused on infinity βftr: composite lateral magnification at the telephoto end of all lenses arranged on the image side of the focus group when focused at infinity νdLp: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lp

3. With the widest air gap at the wide-angle end as the boundary, the lens group located on the object side is the front group, and the lens group located on the image side is the rear group, the front group has a negative refractive power as a whole, the rear group has a positive refractive power as a whole, and the magnification is changed from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end by changing the air space between the lens groups so as to reduce the air space between at least the front group and the rear group, a focus group disposed within the rear group and moving in the optical axis direction when focusing from infinity to a close object; an image stabilization group disposed closer to the object than the focus group and movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis; Including, the rear group has at least one lens Lrn having negative refractive power located closer to the object side than the focus group, the image stabilization group includes at least one lens Lvcn having negative refractive power and at least one lens Lvcp having positive refractive power, At least one of the lenses Lvcn and at least one of the lenses Lvcp are cemented together, the focus group includes at least one lens Lp having a positive refractive power, When changing magnification, some lens groups are fixed in the optical axis direction, A zoom lens characterized by satisfying the following conditions: (3) 46.591≦1 / |(1 / νdLvcn)-(1 / νdLvcp)|<70.00 (6-2) 4.609≦|{1−(βft×βft)}×βftr×βftr|<15.00 (8) 1.860 < NdLrn < 2.10 (18) 22.761 ≦ νdLp < 35.0 however, νdLvcn: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lvcn νdLvcp: Abbe number at d line of the lens Lvcp NdLrn: refractive index of the lens Lrn at the d line βft: lateral magnification of the focus group at the telephoto end when focused on infinity βftr: composite lateral magnification at the telephoto end of all lenses arranged on the image side of the focus group when focused at infinity νdLp: Abbe number at the d line of the lens Lp

4. the vibration isolation group has at least one aspherical surface, 4. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the aspherical surface has an aspherical shape that provides a refractive power weaker than that determined from the paraxial curvature of the aspherical surface.

5. 5. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the following condition is satisfied: (4) 0.50 < | (1-βvct)×βvctr | < 6.00 however, βvct: lateral magnification of the image stabilization group at the telephoto end when focused on infinity βvctr: composite lateral magnification at the telephoto end when all lenses arranged on the image side of the image stabilization group are focused at infinity

6. 6. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the vibration reduction group is included in the rear group.

7. 7. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the vibration reduction group is composed of one single lens unit.

8. 8. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the following condition is satisfied: (5) 0.00<(Crff+Crfr) / (Crff-Crfr)<5.00 however, Crff: radius of curvature of the surface of the focus group closest to the object Crfr: radius of curvature of the surface closest to the image side of the focus group

9. 9. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the rear group has at least one lens element located closer to the image side than the focus group.

10. 10. The zoom lens according to claim 9, wherein the rear group has at least one lens surface Sr having negative refractive power located closer to the image side than the focus group, and the following conditional expression is satisfied: (7) -0.400 <|fw×tanωw| / (fsr-FBw)<-0.002 however, ωw: Half angle of view of the most off-axis chief ray of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end fsr: focal length of the lens surface Sr FBw: Air-equivalent length from the side closest to the image plane of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end

11. 11. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens Lrn satisfies the following condition: (9) -0.015 < ΔPgF < 0.022 however, ΔPgF: In a coordinate system in which the vertical axis represents the partial dispersion ratio and the horizontal axis represents the Abbe number νd for the d line, the deviation of the partial dispersion ratio from the reference line is determined by a line passing through the coordinates of glass material C7, which has a partial dispersion ratio of 0.5393 and νd of 60.49, and the coordinates of glass material F2, which has a partial dispersion ratio of 0.5829 and νd of 36.

30.

12. 12. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the front group has at least one lens group having negative refractive power, and when the lens group having the largest negative refractive power in the front group is designated as negative lens group n, the following condition is satisfied: (10) -2.00 < fn / fw < -0.55 however, fn: focal length of the negative lens unit n

13. 13. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the focus group has a negative refractive power.

14. 14. The zoom lens according to claim 1, which satisfies the following condition: (11) -0.70 < ff / ft < -0.05 however, ff: focal length of the focus group ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

15. 15. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the following condition is satisfied: when the lens surface arranged closest to the focus group in the direction in which the focus group moves when focusing from infinity to a close object is defined as lens surface Lnf: (16) 0.015 < Drfrt / ft < 1.000 however, Drfrt: the distance on the optical axis between the focus group at the telephoto end and the lens surface Lnf when focusing at infinity ft: focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end

16. 16. An imaging device comprising: the zoom lens according to claim 1; and an image sensor, on the image side of the zoom lens, that converts an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electrical signal.

Citation Information

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