A zoom lens capable of image stabilization is provided and includes: in order from the object side, a positive first group fixed in variable magnification, a negative second group having a variable magnification function, a positive third group fixed in variable magnification, and a positive fourth group having a correction function for an image plane variation depending upon variable magnification and a focusing function. In the third group, there are arranged a positive 3a-th group, a negative 3b-th group, and a positive 3c-th group in this order from the object side. Blurring of a taken image caused by a vibration of this variable magnification optical system is corrected by moving the 3b-th group in a direction approximately orthogonal to the optical axis. Further, a specific conditional expression relating to power of the third group and a specific conditional expression relating to a power distribution of lens groups of the third group G3 are satisfied.