An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensing unit that generates an image signal by performing a photoelectric conversion on an object image, a focus evaluation value calculation unit that calculates a focus evaluation value indicating a contrast of the image signal, a control unit that controls a position of a focus lens based on the focus evaluation value, a focus level calculation unit that calculates a focus level indicating a degree of focus using the focus evaluation value, and a detection unit that detects an exposure condition in taking an image of an object. The control unit determines a condition in terms of driving the focus lens based on the focus level corresponding to the exposure condition.