A zoom lens ZL installed in a single-lens reflex digital camera 1 and the like includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, and a rear lens group GR having positive refractive power. The second lens group G2 includes at least one positive lens and a negative lens disposed adjacent to the object side of the positive lens having largest refractive power among the positive lenses. Each distance between lens groups varies upon zooming from a wide-angle end state and a telephoto end state. Thereby providing a zoom lens having excellent optical performance, an optical apparatus equipped the zoom lens, and a method for manufacturing the zoom lens.