An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to receive light collected from an object area through an imaging optical system provided at a front side facing an object, and to generate image data; a body unit including the imaging unit; an optical sight unit including a light source unit for emitting luminous flux, and a reflecting optical element for allowing light from the object area to transmit and reflecting the luminous flux toward a back side opposite to the front in order to produce a virtual image of the luminous flux in the object area or near the object area; and a leg unit that holds at least the reflecting optical element in a movable manner in a direction away from the body unit and in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, at startup of the optical sight unit.