Zoom lens with vibration reduction function

A zoom lens comprising in the following order from the object side:

• a first lens group having a negative refracting power;
• a second lens group having a positive refracting power;
• a third lens group having a negative refracting power;
• a fourth lens group having a positive refracting power;
• and
• displacement means for attaining vibration reduction by moving said third lens group or a partial lens group in said third lens group in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis,
• wherein when zooming is effected from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, an interval between said first and second lens groups decreases, an interval between said second and third lens groups increases, and an interval between said third and fourth lens groups decreases, and
• said zoom lens satisfies the following condition:
• 0.2<|f3|/(fW·fT) ½<5
• where f3 is the focal length of said third lens group, fW is the focal length of the entire lens system at the wide-angle end, fT is the focal length of the entire lens system at the telephoto end,
• said zoom lens further comprising a stationary flare stop which is arranged around the optical axis and shields unnecessary rays upon movement of said third lens group in the direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis for vibration reduction.