Dark Clear Skies Reviews 29

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.7

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Purchased a Player One Uranus-C Pro at the sale price from the website. Ordered late Monday, arrived Wednesday Morning. Well packaged, well managed delivery, good price, happy customer.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Ordered Retekess TD165 pager system and paid £189.99 via PayPal on 16/12. Product never received, so after 4 weeks tried contacting Paul at Dark Clear Skies via mobile, email and Facebook. No response... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was my first purchase with Dark Clear Skies and it certainly won't be my last! :) Paul was super quick to answer my questions about his stock availability and I was very much put at ease... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

My parcel was sent by the wrong method and I was upset as I had paid considerably more for the special delivery. However, sent a complaint immediately requesting a refund and this was done straight a... See more

Company details

  1. Telescope Store
  2. Hobby Store

Written by the company

About Dark Clear Skies Welcome to Dark Clear Skies, the premier online destination for astronomy enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. Founded in 2021 by Paul Stevenson, a passionate astronomer, our store is dedicated to delivering quality astronomy gear and accessories from trusted manufacturers around the world. Dark Clear Skies was created to share the wonder of the night sky with fellow stargazers. We stock a wide range of carefully selected products, including telescopes, binoculars, astrophotography equipment, celestial prints, and educational books. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced astronomer, our goal is to help you get the most out of your time under the stars. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, England, we pride ourselves on being a customer-focused business built on integrity, reliability, and expert support. Every product we offer is genuine and sourced directly from reputable manufacturers. We’re committed to delivering excellent customer service with fast, secure ordering and helpful advice every step of the way. We understand that every stargazer's journey is unique. That’s why our small, knowledgeable team is always happy to offer guidance tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're exploring deep space objects, observing the planets, or just getting started, we’re here to help you find the right equipment and make informed choices. Our online store is designed to be easy to navigate, with secure transactions and quick delivery, so you can focus on what matters most—exploring the cosmos. Dark Clear Skies has grown steadily through the trust and loyalty of our customers. Their reviews on Trustpilot reflect our ongoing commitment to quality and service. We’re proud to have built a reputation as a dependable and enthusiastic astronomy retailer. In short, Dark Clear Skies is more than just a shop—it’s a gateway to your astronomical journey. Whether you're searching for your first telescope, upgrading your kit, or looking for the perfect gift, we invite you to experience the universe with us.


Contact info

3.7

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

29 reviews

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1-star

Hasn’t replied to negative reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Player One Uranus-C Pro

Purchased a Player One Uranus-C Pro at the sale price from the website.
Ordered late Monday, arrived Wednesday Morning.
Well packaged, well managed delivery, good price, happy customer.

February 4, 2026
Unprompted review
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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

POST CHARGES

My parcel was sent by the wrong method and I was upset as I had paid considerably more for the special delivery. However, sent a complaint immediately requesting a refund and this was done straight away. Good customer service from this company and the immediate refund is much appreciated. With thanks.

January 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No delivery. No refund.

Ordered Retekess TD165 pager system and paid £189.99 via PayPal on 16/12. Product never received, so after 4 weeks tried contacting Paul at Dark Clear Skies via mobile, email and Facebook. No response whatsoever to any messages. In absence of any explanation, I’ll have to seek a refund via PayPal.

December 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

At the end...

At the end of last year (I do apologise if certain dates/times and certainties are a bit vague, but when you get to my age (nearly 80) things are not as clear as they used to be) I bought a Spotting Scope from Dark Clear Skies. I used it once (possibly twice) and then put it away for the winter. On reopening the box in the spring of this year, I noticed a rather large crack in the top of the Spotting Scope, so I informed Paul Stevenson (?) at Dark Clear Skies of the problem.

My email was promptly answered, but after that I thought it was taking rather a long time to rectify so I emailed again. Again the email was answered with a promise to clear the problem up. A day or so later I received an email from Paul Stevenson asking for more details. This was fine, but the timing was not good. I have serious health issues (physical and mental) and was in bed at the time, as it was gone eight in the evening. So because of my mental health issues I couldn't think correctly so I just blocked any further incoming emails!

This all took place some months back, so I emailed Paul Stevenson yesterday and said that this protracted issue could have been sorted out so easily.

April 19, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a fantastic service.

What a fantastic service and shop. Pre ordered a Seestar S30 back in December. Was informed would be mid Feb for stock. Received an email Sunday to pay the balance, which i did immediately, the product arrived Tuesday. Super quick postage and the product is amazing. Will use this business again.

February 17, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have purchased a few items from this…

I have purchased a few items from this site.
Excellent customer service from Paul.
I recently purchased an ASI533MM camera. I received it very promptly but there was a problem with it.
Contacted Paul and he replaced it no problem.
I strongly recommend this site.
Anthony

September 19, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Have parted with £265 pound almost 4…

Have parted with £265 pound almost 4 weeks ago. Products haven’t arrived. Do not use site

July 28, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Hi, This is for Nomad order in which I have had supply issues. I did send emails regarding this . I am very sorry you have paid for goods and are still awaiting. I have contacted the supplier numerous times about the poor delivery service. You can have a refund at any time or a discount once arrived. Paul

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast and efficient

I ordered a Player One Ares M Pro and Phoenix filter wheel 9pm Monday night. It was dispatched that very night and I received it today (Wednesday). Well packaged and fast service. Highly recommended service.

May 22, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

FANTASTIC

FANTASTIC. Great company and a very nice owner paul,who goes the extra mile. Looks like the northwest has a local astro dealer at last. Well done.

May 7, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The first of MANY purchases!

This was my first purchase with Dark Clear Skies and it certainly won't be my last! :)

Paul was super quick to answer my questions about his stock availability and I was very much put at ease in dealing with a new UK based retailer, based on our email conversations.

Placed my order late on Saturday and was delivered by Tuesday morning, with excellent packaging.

Thanks again Paul and look forward to burning a bigger hole in my wallet with you going forward! LOL!

March 27, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Appreciate the kind words

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

PlayerOne Apollo-M

PlayerOne Apollo-M.
Order late last year and arrived promptly & well packaged.
Not much chance to use it until the last few weeks and it’s great.
Great service from CDS, would buy from them again.

November 19, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Thanks Very much Jason.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fast and Smooth

I have placed order on Sunday afternoon ( Player One Apollo M mini camera ) and received purchased item on Tuesday morning. As described, new, completely sealed and ready to use. Definitely recommending for anyone planning to Purchase Player One cameras from UK! Fast and realiable seller. Thank you!

February 27, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Glad we could be of great service Bart.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

CAUTION RECOMMENDED

CAUTION RECOMMENDED. REVIEWS MAY BE FAKE. Enquired regarding collecting Seestar S50 from the warehouse as I literally live up the road from the warehouse. What would be the point in paying postage ? ...after a wait for a reply, I got and email that literally just asked where I lived. To which I replied again that I lived a mile away and wanted to collect in person. I'm still waiting for a reply weeks later! If this is how they treat their customers before they get their money, what on earth would their aftercare be like ??? Gets all the suspicious up about this outfit !!!

February 22, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Hi Sarah, Firstly apologies for the non reply. I do recall the conversation that took place a few sundays back. The Seestar was out of stock and apologies for not stating the fact. It took a few days for re-stock and in that time i forgot your email .All my reviews are honest "real" reviews and not fake. I do offer free postage so that would not have been a problem , it helps customers to reduce costs. My after sales is very good although your experience was below my very high standards and for that i apologise.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I purchased a ZWO SEESTAR S50 free…

I purchased a ZWO SEESTAR S50 free delivery.
Good price and arrived in a couple of days. I was kept up to date every step. Fantastic thanks.

January 12, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Thank you Steven

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience with Darkclear Skies

Recently bought a camera from dark skies,and i must say what a pleasent experience it was.They respond very quickly to emails,and even provide a contact number you can use.
For my package they used Royal Mail 24hr tracked,and although not the quickest delivery they kept me informed all the way through,so you were never second guessing.
Exerllent company,and can whole heartedly recommend.

December 22, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Thank you for your valued custom, Paul

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Purchased a PLAYER ONE URANUS-C PRO…

Purchased a PLAYER ONE URANUS-C PRO from Dark Clear Skies, directed to them by Player One Astronomy. Within an hour of my purchase I received an email from DCS informing me that my product was on back order and would be shipped the following weekend. I then received an email the following weekend advising me it had shipped, and an email a few days later with the tracking number. Great communication from DCS and very helpful. Camera arrived on time and in good order. Would Recommend.

December 21, 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from Dark Clear Skies

Thank you for your valued custom, Paul

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