A two-group zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a first lens group that includes a negative lens component formed of a negative plastic lens element having at least one aspheric lens surface and a positive lens component, and a second lens group that includes a diaphragm, a positive lens component that is formed of a positive plastic lens element having at least one aspheric lens surface, and a negative lens doublet component. The first lens group and at least a part of the second lens group is movable along the optical axis for zooming, and either the first lens group or a lens component of the second lens group moves independently of the other lens components of the second lens group for focusing. Except for the negative lens doublet component, each lens component may be a lens element. The lens components and lens elements satisfy certain conditions.