To provide an observation instrument 10 with good visibility that is capable of observing all directions.

The observation instrument 10 includes: an imaging part 2; an omnidirectional optical system 3A for obtaining light L from a subject 30 in all directions; an optical part 3 having a relay optical system 3B for introducing the light L to the imaging part 2; a cylindrical housing 3C for housing the optical part 3; a display part 8 surrounding the entire perimeter of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 3C; and an image processing part 1B for performing image conversion processing that converts the omnidirectional image taken by the imaging part 2 into a display image to be displayed on the display part 8.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT