An image pickup apparatus includes: an optics system that forms an optical image of a subject on an imaging surface； a variable magnification lens that is part of the optics system, that is provided to be movable in a direction of an optical axis of the optics system, and that enlarges or reduces the optical image formed on the imaging surface in association with a movement of the variable magnification lens； a position detection unit that detects a position of the variable magnification lens in the direction of the optical axis； a storage unit that stores output characteristic information about a characteristic of an output of the position detection unit according to a position of the variable magnification lens in the direction of the optical axis； and a driving control unit that performs a control for moving the variable magnification lens on the basis of the output characteristic information.
