The endoscope is provided with a handle, an endoscope shaft and imaging optics (4) arranged in the endoscope shaft. An actuating element is arranged on the handle, which is connected to the deflection element (7) and with which the pivoting position of the deflecting element is changed to a desired viewing direction (5). A sliding element (15) is provided, whose proximal end is connected to the actuating element and whose distal end has a shield section (51). The actuation of the actuating element leads to a displacement of the sliding element.
