An endoscopic image pickup unit 30 includes: a first fixed lens frame 34 which holds a first objective lens group 35 a second fixed lens frame 36 which, being fitted over the first fixed lens frame, holds a second objective lens group 33 a movable lens frame 38 which, being installed in the second fixed lens frame so as to be able to move forward and backward along a photographic optical axis, holds a movable lens 39 and a deformation preventing member 37 which, being interposed between a distal end body and the second fixed lens frame, prevents the second fixed lens frame from being deformed by fixing force of the fixing member when the endoscopic image pickup unit is fixed to the distal end body.