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Vortex

Vortex Defender-ST Enclosed Solar

Closed-emitter DPP-footprint pistol red dot with solar assist and a multi-reticle.

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Quick Specs

Price
$319
Weight
N/A
Brand
Vortex
Category
pistol-optic

Features

  • 3 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle
  • DeltaPoint Pro footprint
  • CR2032 plus solar
  • Closed emitter

Capability Boosts

CQB+3
Low Light+2
Reliability+2

Recommended For

Home Defense+7
self defense+7
Concealed Carry+5
first pistol+5
new shooters+5
bear defense+5

+24 more

Compatibility Tags

optic-mount: dppfamily: handgunframe: glock-fullsizeframe: glock-compactframe: sig-p320frame: sw-mp

Overview

The Vortex Defender-ST Enclosed Solar is the closed-emitter version of the Defender-ST, built around the same DeltaPoint Pro footprint so it drops onto the same duty and carry slides without changing plates. The 7075 aluminum housing seals the LED behind glass, which is the upgrade that matters for a carry optic: open emitters can choke on lint, rain, and snow, and the enclosed hood removes that failure mode entirely.

Power is the standout. A side-loading CR2032 runs up to 35,000 hours on its own, and the solar panel with Auto D-TEC technology stretches that to roughly 150,000 hours by feeding the optic in good light. The multi-reticle gives you a 3 MOA dot for precision, a 32 MOA circle for speed, or both together, across 12 brightness settings with two night-vision levels. At $319.49 it slots directly against the Holosun EPS and Aimpoint COA as the DPP-footprint enclosed option, with the Vortex VIP lifetime warranty as the tiebreaker.

Key Features

  • Closed emitter housing seals the LED against lint, rain, and debris
  • DeltaPoint Pro footprint matches existing DPP plates and slides
  • Multi-reticle: 3 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both combined
  • Dual power: side-load CR2032 plus solar with Auto D-TEC switching
  • Up to 35,000 hours on battery, up to 150,000 hours with solar assist
  • 12 brightness settings including 2 night-vision compatible
  • 7075 aluminum housing with motion activation and auto-shutoff
  • Vortex VIP unlimited lifetime warranty

Pros

  • +Closed emitter fixes the open-emitter weakness of the standard Defender-ST
  • +Solar plus CR2032 dual power for very long runtime
  • +Multi-reticle covers both speed and precision
  • +Drops onto existing DeltaPoint Pro plates and slides
  • +Vortex VIP lifetime warranty with no receipt required

Cons

  • DPP footprint is less universal than RMR for plate selection
  • Heavier and taller than the open Defender-ST
  • Made overseas; not US-manufactured
  • Multi-reticle button can be cycled accidentally in a holster

Detailed Specifications

Reticle
3 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both (multi-reticle)
Magnification
1x
objectiveWindow
1x22.5mm
Battery Type
CR2032 (side-loading) with solar Auto D-TEC
Battery Life
Up to 35,000 hours battery, up to 150,000 hours with solar
nightVisionCompatible
Yes (2 NV settings)
Mount Type
DeltaPoint Pro footprint
clickValue
1 MOA per click

Compatible Platforms

+192 more

Pairs Well With

Top matches

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