The optical unit includes a base member, a shift member configured to hold an image stabilizing lens and to be movable with respect to the base member in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis to reduce image blur, and an image stabilizing actuator configured to shift the shift member. The optical unit further includes a light controlling member disposed further inside than the image stabilizing actuator in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis and in an area where the image stabilizing actuator is disposed in a direction parallel to the optical axis.