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Vortex Defender-ST Micro Red Dot 3 MOA Red Dot
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$299.99
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SKU: WX2*0741212
Overview
Built for shooters who want a single optic that can move between platforms, this red dot is suited to handguns, shotguns, and tactical rifles, as well as carbine and LPVO setups. The 3 MOA dot, manual adjustable brightness, and motion activation are aimed at quick target acquisition and fast follow-up shots across changing light conditions. A large aspherical lens supports a distortion-free sight picture, while the 7075 aluminum housing and polymer Shockshield are designed to help the optic stand up to hard use. It also fits the standard DeltaPoint Pro footprint and includes both a Picatinny mount and Glock MOS adapter plate for broader mounting flexibility.
Why Hunters Choose the Vortex
Pistols, Shotguns,
Tactical rifles across multiple setups
3 Moa
Manual adjustable brightness
Large Aspherical
Lens provides a distortion-free sight
Motion Activation
Helps the optic be ready
7075 Aluminum
Polymer Shockshield for impact absorption
Key Features
- Designed for pistols, shotguns, and tactical rifles across a wide range of setups.
- 3 MOA red dot reticle with manual adjustable brightness.
- Large aspherical lens provides a distortion-free sight picture.
- Motion activation helps the optic be ready quickly.
- 7075 aluminum housing with polymer Shockshield for impact absorption.
- Fits the standard DeltaPoint Pro footprint and includes Picatinny mount and Glock MOS adapter plate.
- 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction.
Best Used For
- EDC handgun users wanting a compact optic adaptable across multiple pistol setups.
- Shotgun owners needing a red dot with a large sight window and adjustable brightness.
- Carbine shooters mounting a primary optic for fast target acquisition and follow-up shots.
- AR owners using an LPVO who want a piggybacked red dot option.
- Hunters and tactical rifle users needing a waterproof, fogproof, shockproof optic for varied conditions.
Specifications
| Brightness Adjustment | Manual adjustable brightness |
|---|---|
| Compatible Platforms | Pistols, shotguns, tactical rifles |
| Fogproof | Yes |
| Footprint | DeltaPoint Pro footprint |
| Housing Material | 7075 aluminum |
| Included Adapter Plate | Glock MOS adapter plate |
| Included Mount | Picatinny mount |
| Lens | Large aspherical lens |
| Motion Activation | Yes |
| Retails Price | $299.99 |
| Reticle | 3 MOA red dot reticle |
| Shockproof | Yes |
| Shockshield | Polymer Shockshield |
| Warranty | Vortex VIP Warranty |
| Waterproof | Yes |
Pros
- Designed for pistols, shotguns, and tactical rifles across multiple setups
- 3 MOA red dot reticle with manual adjustable brightness
- Large aspherical lens provides a distortion-free sight picture
- Motion activation helps the optic be ready in an instant
- 7075 aluminum housing with polymer Shockshield for impact absorption
- Includes Picatinny mount and Glock MOS adapter plate for broader compatibility
Considerations & Trade-offs
- The 3 MOA dot and manual brightness settings give you control, but they also mean the optic is not a fixed-brightness solution for every lighting condition.
- It uses the standard DeltaPoint Pro footprint, so fit depends on the platform and may require the included Picatinny mount or Glock MOS adapter plate for some setups.
- The large sight window is useful for fast acquisition, but it can add size compared with more compact micro dots.
- The Defender-ST is positioned as a multi-platform optic, which is versatile, but that also means it may involve more mounting considerations than a dedicated single-gun setup.
Suggested Comparisons
- Pistol red dot sights
- Shotgun optics
- Carbine red dot sights
- LPVO offset red dots
Suggested Accessories
- Optic mount or adapter plate
- Lens cleaning kit
- Battery
- Protective optic cover
Frequently Asked Questions
What firearms is the Defender-ST Micro Red Dot designed to work with?
The product is described as designed to work with pistols, shotguns, and tactical rifles. It is also presented as an all-purpose optic for EDC handguns, shotguns, carbines, and AR setups with an LPVO.
What reticle does this optic use?
It uses a 3 MOA red dot reticle.
Does the Defender-ST have adjustable brightness?
Yes. The description says it has manual adjustable brightness.
What mounting options are included?
It fits the standard DeltaPoint Pro footprint and includes both a Picatinny mount and a Glock MOS adapter plate.
Is the Defender-ST built for use in harsh conditions?
The product is described as 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. It also features a 7075 aluminum housing with a polymer Shockshield for impact absorption.