An optical observation instrument according to the invention, in particular a surgical microscope or exoscope, comprises an optics unit with an objective arrangement and at least one electronic image recorder, wherein the optics unit has a first stereo channel with a first beam path and a second stereo channel with a second beam path for recording a stereo image of an object field with the at least one electronic image recorder and wherein the first and the second beam path extend through the objective arrangement. Further, the observation instrument comprises a retaining apparatus which comprises a retaining bracket, which engages over the optics unit, wherein the retaining bracket comprises an operating device with a number of operating elements for controlling a retaining arm, to which the retaining apparatus is connectable.