Apparatus and method for optically inspecting an object

For optically inspecting an object (14) a device (10) is provided having a support member (20). The carrier element is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (28) defining a direction of rotation (26). On the carrier element a plurality of light sources (30) is arranged, which form an array (32) of light sources. An image pickup unit (34) arranged to receive a number of images of the object. Further determines an evaluation and control unit (36) based on the photo properties of the article. The support member defines an inspection space (44) for receiving the article at a rotation in the direction of rotation. Further, the arrangement defining a lateral surface (42) having a first transverse extension (46) in the direction of rotation during rotation. The arrangement has a second transverse extension (104) in the rotational direction. The second transverse dimension is less than the first transverse width of the lateral surface. The evaluation and control unit (36) is adapted to control the light sources in dependence on a current rotational position of the support element to a varibles light-dark pattern on the entire peripheral surface (49) by using to produce the light sources.