Hey there, couldn't help but get involved in the discussion
I designed every part of the F8, so I'm a little biased when I say it's build like a tank. The main body is solid aircraft aluminum and the front housing is made from extra tough composite polymer. These lights are regularly beat up by field crews all over the world and we're constantly hearing praise for its durability.
As far as specific differences from the Sola 6:
- The F8 has an 8" glass lens made by Schott-Auer, where the Sola has a smaller thin plastic lens.
- The F8 has an IP54 rating for use in all kinds of weather. The Sola is not rated.
- The F8 is half the volume of the Sola when packed for transport (1650 vs. 869 cubic inches), plus it's only 4.5" thick which lets you slide it into bags no other fresnel would fit into.
- The F8 is completely silent. The Sola has an internal fan for cooling.
- The F8 has a full-size XLR DMX connector. the Sola requires a RJ45 adapter for standard DMX fittings.
- The F8 has built-in wireless for controlling from other Zylights or your iPhone with our ZyLink Bridge & app.
Lots of info here, but if you can get your hands on an F8 I'm sure you'll be impressed.
Thanks,
Jim Collias
Engineering Director
Zylight LLC