Abstract: An optical instrument which has an optical system that includes an ocular lens and a reticle located in the optical system, wherein a phosphorescence pigment is applied to a surface of the reticle facing toward the ocular lens, and light irradiated from outside through the ocular lens excites the phosphorescence pigment of the reticle, The phosphorescence pigment contains at least one of a phosphorescence phosphor selected from SrAl2O4: Eu, Dy; Sr4Al14O25: Eu, Dy; and CaAl2O4: Eu,Nd. The particle diameter of the phosphorescence pigment is no smaller than 1.5 ?m and no greater than 10 ?m at D50. The phosphorescence pigment is applied with a microscopic and sharp shape and thus improves visibility even in dark places. The phosphorescence pigment is applied in an amount that is no less than 1.2 mg/cm2 and no more than 50 mg/cm2. This obtains appropriate luminance and improves visibility even in dark places.

Abstract: A phosphorescence pigment 18 applied to a surface of a reticle 11 contains at least one of a phosphorescence phosphor selected from SrAl2O4: Eu, Dy; Sr4Al14O25: Eu, Dy; and CaAl2O4: Eu, Nd. The phosphorescence pigment applied to the surface of the reticle 11 emits light over a long period of time after being excited and ensures satisfactory visibility over a long period of time even in dark places. The particle diameter of the phosphorescence pigment 18 is no smaller than 1.5 &mgr;m and no greater than 10 &mgr;m at D50. The phosphorescence pigment 18 is applied with a microscopic and sharp shape and thus improves visibility even in dark places. The phosphorescent pigment is applied in an amount that is no less than 1.2 mg/cm2 and no more than 50 mg/cm2 This obtains appropriate luminance and improves visibility even in dark places.