A scanning examination apparatus 1 is provided, the apparatus including a detachable objective lens 6 or 6′, a scanner 3 for two-dimensionally scanning light F from a specimen 100 focused by the objective lens 6 or 6′, a scanner control device 13 for controlling the operation of the scanner 3, and an optical detector 9 for detecting light scanned by the scanner 3, wherein the scanner control device 13 changes the scanning direction of the light F depending on an image formation mode of the light F at the objective lens 6 or 6′ which is attached.