An apparatus for optical inspection of objects, in particular cans. The apparatus includes an inspection station, a lighting system, and a camera directed towards the inspection system to capture an image of the lateral surface of the object to be inspected. A Fresnel lens is associated with the lighting system to direct a beam of light rays collimated towards the object to be inspected, located in the inspection station. A further Fresnel lens is positioned to face the object to be inspected, located in the inspection station and directed in such a way as to make the collimated light rays converge on the object.