An endoscope having an endoscope shaft is provided, which has an observation opening on its distal end, which is hermetically sealed using a transparent cover, and having an imaging optic, comprising multiple optic elements, which is situated inside the endoscope shaft in the area of its distal end spaced apart from the cover, a sealing ring being provided, which seals an area between the cover and the optic element of the imaging optic closest to the cover in relation to the remaining inner chamber of the endoscope shaft.