I have up to a grand to spend on a mic and am interested in opinions. I have a Schoeps CMC641 with a CUT1 that I use for interiors and sometimes exteriors but I need an RF based exterior mic just in case I am in a high humidity situation and also for the extra reach on really wide shots. I am looking seriously at the Sennheiser 416. I am aware of the low frequency off axis issue and understand that I have to aim well when booming with it, which I can do. I have heard the comparisons with the NTG-3 and am also considering that, but I am leaning towards the 416 because I am a freelancer, the 416 has better creds and is practically indestructible. Are there any other RF based shotgun in that price range that I should be considering?

thanks,
mike

You might consider the Sanken line of mics. As far as "cred" goes, they are used extensively by NHK in Japan. Personally, my next shotgun will be the CS-3e

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/all-things-audio/477209-sanken-cs-3e-magic-mic.html

There is also the CS-1 which has a single element and a wider pattern. The US Sanken rep said that it needs a less experienced operator. I might choose one for an on-cam, on-the-street, documentary mic. It costs $825 at a popular web store.

The CS-2 was released after NAB, so I haven't tried it. $1,150.

The CS-3e is a bit more cash at $1,415, but it's truly superb. I compared it back-to-back with the 416, though at different booths, through different amps, with different gains, and different headphones. Still, the way that the Sanken dealt with off-axis sounds was night and day compared to the Sennheiser.

As I see it, the 416 is an excellent implementation of basic tube interference technology, but that technology is dated. The CS-3e uses three capsules and is able to achieve far superior off-axis performance.

I'm not sure about ruggedness. Given that you have the Schoeps, you might never use your shotgun indoors or around off-axis reflections. if ruggedness is more important than off-axis quality, the Sennheiser might be the better choice. Maybe some others have extended experience with the ruggedness of the Sanken.

Having the "right" mic won't instantly make you a great operator.

Stick with the NTG-3 so that:
-- you don't miss any sound that otherwise sneaks off-axis
-- the humidity won't stop you in your tracks (very embarrassing when the rest of the crew are ready)
-- Rode have a pretty fabulous 10 year warranty, not that anything is likely to go wrong with the mic

Heck, I would think that point #2 would easily seal the deal, given your humidity issues.

Andrew

Budget in wind protection too...

Wind Protection for Shotgun Microphones on Vimeo

I have both of these for my NTG 3 and eventually a Neumann KMR81. Both mic's have similar diameters and the full windshield kit can extend its length to fit longer mic's. So far, I have used the Softie 95% of the time as it provides great wind protection. If you plan on only using a Rode, then their Blimp is cheaper than the full size Rycote.

Full Windshield Kit » Rycote (http://www.rycote.com/products/full_windshield_kit/)

Softie Windshield » Rycote (http://www.rycote.com/products/softie_kit/softie_windshield/)

In regards to humidity, I have a Beyerdynamic MCE 86 /11 that doesn't like a moist environment.
Does anyone else have the same problem?

I like my Browning Citori 12 gauge.....oh wait....
Microphones!

Street cred gained from having a Sennheiser? Ha ha ha!
Yeah it's a great mic but get real...the result is all my clients have cared about for my 21 years in the biz!
Kind of like the Neumann craze for VO's. Theres a LOT of other mics out there and some that blow the Neumann's away for less money!

As others have mentioned, get an NTG3 to save a bunch of money. I am also a fan of the other mics mentioned. You can't go wrong with any of them. I have used the Sennheiser extensively and took a chance purchasing the Rode. Not once have I regretted the decision and not once has anyone asked what mic I used to make them sound so good!

(sorry to come off a bit harsh but I was just in a similar argument over brands of shoes!!)

YouTube - Sennheiser MKH 416 vs. RODE NTG-3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbzNgmrCBQs)

Well there ya go. A $699 RODE NTG-3, which as you may have heard sounds similar to the $999 416, can be had with the essentials: full wind protection, an internally cabled K-TEK boompole - plus cables for the same $999 price. And you'll still have enough out of that $1000 for a $.99 taco ;)
Actually use your 5% "dvinfo" coupon and buy 50 of them tacos.

Check out the DVcreator Location Sound Package 4 at $999 (http://www.dvcreators.net/rode-ntg-3-shotgun-mic/)

Guess I'm on a diet after getting the Sanken CS-3e. No Taco's for me. But I'm not complaining. It's the best mic I've used yet. I may be doing a comparison of the CS-3e to the Senn MKH 70 soon.

-Garrett

I forgot to mention that there is a great comparison of several shotguns on kenstone.net, which is why I like the Neumann so much.

As for the NTG 3, I have had a problem with suddenly loud sounds that cause a slight crackle whereas neither of my NTG 2's have this issue. Thus, for loud venues such as concerts, I use a NTG 2 when not wired into the sound board.