Vortex Optics Red Dot Defender ST 3MOA


















The Vortex Defender-ST Red Dot 3 MOA has been developed for shooters looking for a compact, robust and lightning-fast red dot sight for their pistol or rifle. Thanks to its large aspherical viewing window, innovative ShockShield™ technology, motion activation and a battery life of up to 25,000 hours, this premium optic delivers outstanding performance in all conditions.
Whether you’re involved in competitive shooting, airsoft or looking for a reliable sight for a hunting rifle, the Defender-ST combines speed, durability and ease of use in a single, high-quality red dot sight.
Large aspherical viewing window
The Defender-ST features a large aspherical lens design that provides a clear, distortion-free image.
The advantages of this are:
- Faster target acquisition.
- Wider field of view.
- Less image distortion.
- Easier tracking of moving targets.
This helps you keep a better overview and find the red dot more quickly in fast-moving situations.
Bright 3 MOA red dot
This model features a 3 MOA red dot, which offers an excellent balance between speed and precision.
3 MOA dot:
- It is compact enough to allow for precise aiming.
- Remains clearly visible at various distances.
- It is suitable for both sporting and tactical use.
As a result, the Defender-ST is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of shooting disciplines.
ShockShield™ technology
To provide optimum protection for the optics, Vortex has fitted the Defender-ST with ShockShield™.
These innovative polymer inserts absorb shocks caused by everyday use.
This means you’ll benefit from:
- Extra protection against knocks.
- Less strain on the internal components.
- Longer service life.
- Greater reliability during intensive use.
Motion Activation met Auto Shut-Off
The Defender-ST switches on automatically as soon as movement is detected.
After about 10 minutes of inactivity, the red dot switches itself off again to save energy.
This system ensures:
- Immediate ease of use.
- Longer battery life.
- Less chance of the battery running out.
- An optic that’s always ready for use.
Battery life of up to 25,000 hours
The included CR2032 battery offers an impressive operating life of up to 25,000 hours.
As a result, you only need to replace the battery very rarely, and the Defender-ST remains operational for a long time.
Top Load Battery
A major advantage of the Defender-ST is the Top Mount Battery.
The battery is located at the top of the sight, allowing you to replace it easily without removing the red dot from the weapon.
This means the existing zero setting is retained, so you don’t need to re-zero the sight after changing the battery.
10 brightness levels
To ensure optimum visibility in all lighting conditions, the Defender-ST features 10 brightness settings.
Breakdown:
- 8 settings for daylight.
- 2 settings for night vision.
This is how you can easily adjust the brightness of the red dot to suit the surroundings.
RMS Footprint
The Defender-ST utilises the popular RMS Footprint.
This makes this red dot sight compatible with many modern pistols that use this mounting system.
The following items are also included:
- Glock MOS adapter plate.
- Picatinny/Weaver mounting.
This means the scope can also be easily fitted to replicas and rifles.
Precise adjustment
The Defender-ST is easy to set up.
Specifications:
- Click value: 1 MOA
- Maximum elevation adjustment: 115 MOA
- Maximum width adjustment: 145 MOA
This allows the optical sight to be accurately aligned.
Vortex VIP Guarantee
Like all Vortex premium optics, the Defender-ST also comes with the well-known Vortex VIP Warranty.
This lifetime warranty means that Vortex will repair or replace faulty products. Only loss, theft, deliberate damage and cosmetic damage that does not affect the product’s functionality are excluded from this warranty.
Practical insights
For many pistol shooters, a large viewing window is just as important as a bright dot. Thanks to the Defender-ST’s wide aspherical window, it is considerably easier to locate the red dot, particularly during rapid target changes.
The combination of Motion Activation, Top Load Battery and ShockShield™ makes this optic particularly low-maintenance and suitable for intensive use at the shooting range, during training sessions or airsoft competitions.
Who is the Vortex Defender-ST 3 MOA suitable for?
The Vortex Defender-ST is ideal for sport shooters, airsoft players and tactical users looking for a compact, premium red dot sight for their pistol or rifle. Thanks to its large viewing window, robust construction and long battery life, this sight is suitable for both recreational and professional use.
Are you looking for a reliable red dot sight with an RMS Footprint, fast target acquisition and the quality Vortex is renowned for? If so, the Defender-ST 3 MOA is an excellent choice.
Key features
- Genuine Vortex Defender-ST Red Dot.
- 3 MOA red dot.
- Large aspherical viewing window.
- Distortion-free image.
- ShockShield™ technology.
- Motion Activation.
- Automatic switch-off after 10 minutes.
- Battery life of up to 25,000 hours.
- Top Load Battery.
- Runs on a CR2032 battery.
- 10 brightness settings (8 daytime / 2 night-vision).
- RMS Footprint.
- Includes a Glock MOS adapter plate.
- Includes Picatinny/Weaver mount.
- Click value: 1 MOA.
- Elevation adjustment: 115 MOA.
- Across-angle adjustment: 145 MOA.
- Includes the Vortex VIP lifetime warranty.
Contents of the pack
- Vortex Defender-ST 3 MOA Red Dot
- Glock MOS adapter plate
- Picatinny/Weaver mounting
- Rubber protective cap
- Assembly tools
- Most common fixing screws
- CR2032 battery
- Lens cloth
- English-language manual
Common mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong mounting plate. The Defender-ST uses an RMS Footprint, which means that some pistols require a separate adapter plate. You should therefore always check in advance which mounting your pistol supports.
It is also important to use the correct fixing screws and to tighten them to the recommended torque settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What footprint does the Defender-ST use?
The Defender-ST uses the RMS Footprint and comes with a Glock MOS adapter plate.
How long does the battery last?
The CR2032 battery has a maximum operating life of up to 25,000 hours.
Can I replace the battery without having to re-zero the scope?
Yes. Thanks to the Top Load Battery, you can replace the battery from the top without dismantling the scope.
How many brightness settings does the Defender-ST have?
The red dot sight has 10 brightness settings, 8 of which are for daylight and 2 for night vision.
Is this red dot covered by the Vortex VIP Warranty?
Yes. The Defender-ST comes with the lifetime Vortex VIP Warranty, under which faulty products are repaired or replaced free of charge in accordance with the warranty terms and conditions.
With the Vortex Defender-ST Red Dot 3 MOA, you’re choosing a modern, premium pistol optic that combines speed, durability and ease of use. Thanks to its large aspherical window, ShockShield™ protection and long battery life, this red dot is ready for any challenge.

Product specifications
- Article number
- DFST-MRD3
- Weight
- 255
- Weight unpackaged
- 42gr
- Brand
- Vortex Optics
- Type
- Red Dot Defender ST
- Color
- Black
- Reticle
- Red Dot
- Brightness setting
- icon-yes
- Windage & elevation setting
- icon-yes
- Waterproof
- icon-yes
- Fogproof
- icon-yes
- Shockproof
- icon-yes
- Battery
- 1x CR2032 (included)
- A large aspherical viewing window provides a wide, clear and distortion-free view for rapid target acquisition.
- Motion activation, automatic switch-off and a battery life of up to 25,000 hours ensure long-lasting ease of use.
- Top Load Battery allows you to change the battery without having to remove or re-insert the red dot sight.
- Robust construction featuring ShockShield™ technology, RMS Footprint and a lifetime Vortex VIP warranty.
- RMS Footprint is not a universal fit; some pistols require a separate adapter plate.
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