Audio-Technica AT8035 is a 14.5” highly directional, medium shotgun. It is a cheap but powerful tool, invaluable for filming wider scenes or walk ‘n talk dialogues, especially where you find a short shotgun’s reach lacking. Whereas the maximum effective reach for short shotguns is only 2 feet, medium shotguns can effectively work from up to 4 feet distance. This model has a light weight, and it can be effectively used with most of booming techniques….

Audio-Technica AT897 is another 11” short shotgun that is very similar to NTG-2. Both mics have identical size and construction and both cost roughly the same money. The quality is very similar too but they have slightly different sound or call it “tone”. Although this isn’t obvious from the frequency pattern, NTG-2 tends to add some mud on low end, especially when miked indoors. On the other hand, AT897 sounds brighter but tends to get…

RØDE NTG2 is an entry-level 11” short-range shotgun that boasts an accurate sound while providing superb amount of rejection. The model is quite lightweight though it still offers a solid look and feel, and just as you would expect from RØDE, it is a high-quality piece of equipment. NTG2 is actually one of the most popular models today due to its remarkable overall quality and affordable price. Also, by far it has the narrowest pickup…

Azden SGM-1X is a cheap full size shotgun that can be mounted on both camera and pole. It measures 12.3 inches long and offers a very decent sound rejection. Its main advantage is the price: those who need high directionality but low on budget simply won’t find anything better. Indeed, this model costs half the price, quarter or even a tenth of the price of a professional shotgun with a similar directional pattern. Although I…