A focusing detecting device is disclosed having apparatus for forming object light patterns whose relative position changes in conformity with a focus state of an objective lens. Light flux passes through different areas of an exit pupil of the objective lens, and circuitry receives and photoelectrically converts the light patterns, and detects the focus state of the objective lens on the basis of the photoelectrically converted signal. The focusing apparatus accroding to the present invention a plurality of sets of structures for forming light patterns and means for photoelectrically converting the light patterns which are provided at different distances from the position of the optic axis of the objective lens. Also disclosed are means for making (a) the shapes of the areas of the exit pupil through which the light flux is passed to form the light patterns, or (b) intervals between the centers of gravity of said areas, or (c) both, different between a position in the vicinity of the optic axis of the objective lens, and a position distant therefrom.