An optical filter has a substrate, a refractive index adjusting layer on the substrate, a characteristic improving layer having a stress adjustment function on the refractive index adjusting layer, and an optical multilayer film on the characteristic improving layer, wherein the refractive index adjusting layer is constituted by one to three layers, and the characteristic improving layer is a single-layer film whose physical film thickness is 600 nm or more. The optical filter whose substrate has small warpage and which has a good spectral characteristic is provided.