A high zoom-ratio zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group and a positive fourth lens group. Upon zooming, the distance between the first and second lens groups increases, the distance between the second and third lens groups decreases, and the distance between the third and fourth lens groups increases. The first lens group includes a negative lens element, and two positive lens elements. The absolute value of the radius-of-curvature of the image-side surface of the negative lens element within the first lens group is smaller than the absolute value of the radius-of-curvature of the object-side surface of the positive lens element on the object side within the first lens group. The following condition (1) is satisfied: 1.95