Optical rangefinder

The present invention relates to a light wave rangefinder for measuring a distance to an object of measurement by means of light reflected from the object of measurement without using a prism, and particularly to provision of a light wave rangefinder that sends pointer light for visually recognizing a measuring area and position. A light wave rangefinder according to the present invention comprises a measuring light emitting device which emits measuring light rays; a light transmitting optical system which directs the measuring light rays at an object of measurement; a light receiving optical system which receives the measuring light rays reflected from the object of measurement; a light receiving device which receives the reflected measuring light rays and forms a light receiving signal; a control arithmetic unit which calculates a distance to the object of measurement on the basis of the light receiving signal; and a pointer light emitting device which introduces visible light into the light transmitting optical system.