An optical filter includes a binder resin matrix, and a light absorbent dispersed in the binder resin matrix. The binder resin matrix in which the light absorbent is dispersed is composed of a single layer, and the binder resin matrix includes n zones (where n is an integer ranging from 3 to 7) equally divided in a thickness direction of the matrix. The binder resin matrix has one or more zones in which 40% or more of the total amount of the light absorbent is dispersed, and has one or more zones in which 10% or less of the total amount of the light absorbent is dispersed.