Our Story

We started AstroGear to solve a problem we know well as astrophotography enthusiasts. We love capturing the night sky, but too often, the gear we want is only available overseas, with high costs, long delays, and unnecessary frustration.

AstroGear was created to change that. Our mission is simple: make world-class astrophotography gear easier to get in South Africa.

We began with Player One Astronomy, bringing their full lineup of cameras and accessories to South Africa. Since then, we’ve added Optolong, and more suppliers will follow based on what community demand.

Community-Driven Approach

Many top suppliers require large upfront orders before granting dealer access. Realistically, that’s not viable for most small retailers, especially in South Africa where demand is still limited. It becomes possible when the community works together.

AstroGear acts as the bridge: we secure dealer pricing, handle all logistics (payments, shipping, import duties, and local delivery), and pass the savings directly to you with only a minimal markup to keep operations running.

Our goal isn’t big profits, but a reliable, transparent way for enthusiasts to access quality gear at fair prices.

To make things even easier, we built the AstroBot, an evolving AI assistant that helps with product comparisons and recommendations. It’s still learning, and we welcome your feedback to improve it further.

What We Offer

  • Curated Local Stock – A hand-picked selection of high-quality gear kept in stock locally, expanded based on community interest.
  • Full Catalogue Access – Back-orders from full supplier catalogues so you’re not limited to what’s on the shelf.
  • Simple and Transparent Pricing – All shipping, duties, and taxes are included in the price you see. No hidden costs.
  • Local Support – Get advice and help from someone who actually uses the gear.
  • Hassle-Free Service – Local warranty and after-sales support mean no overseas headaches.
  • Used Gear Marketplace – A community service where verified buyers and sellers can safely exchange second-hand equipment. AstroGear provides secure escrow handling and listing verification to protect both sides, charging only a small fee to cover shipping and admin costs.

Contact and Availability

AstroGear is an online-only store based in Gauteng, South Africa, providing nationwide service and shipping.

Customer support is handled exclusively via email to ensure clear, documented communication and timely responses. This approach allows queries to be answered efficiently, even outside traditional business hours.

📧 Email: support@astrogear.co.za
🌍 Operating hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00
🏠 Service area: South Africa (nationwide shipping)

Why We Do It

AstroGear aims to make astrophotography gear more accessible, affordable, and locally supported, while fostering a stronger community of enthusiasts in South Africa.

Thanks for stopping by, and clear skies!