7 Best Shotgun Microphones In 2025 [UPDATED

Shotgun microphones are essential tools for filmmakers, field recordists, and broadcast professionals seeking to capture clean, directional audio in various environments. These highly directional microphones excel at isolating desired sound sources while rejecting ambient noise, making them invaluable for professional audio capture.

Shotgun microphones are characterized by their long, cylindrical interference tube design that creates a highly directional pickup pattern. This design helps reject off-axis sound while focusing on audio sources directly in front of the microphone. Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand key factors that distinguish quality shotgun microphones:

What is the Best Shotgun Microphones?

Here is my top picks for the best shotgun mics to consider buying in 2025.

Sennheiser MKH 416

The Sennheiser MKH 416 is the most iconic shotgun microphone in the industry, having been a staple in film and broadcast production for decades.

Key Features:

• Exceptional rejection of off-axis sound
• Very low self-noise (13 dB-A)
• Handles high SPL (sound pressure level)
• Remarkable resistance to humidity and adverse weather conditions
• Compact size compared to many competitors

The MKH 416’s reputation is well-earned through its consistent performance in challenging environments. Its RF condenser design makes it particularly resistant to moisture, which is why it has become the go-to microphone for outdoor field recording and production. While its price point (typically $1,000+) places it firmly in the professional category, many users consider it a lifetime investment.

Schoeps CMIT 5U

The Schoeps CMIT 5U represents the premium end of shotgun microphones, favored by audio professionals who demand the utmost in sound quality.

Key Features:

• Exceptionally natural sound reproduction
• Minimal off-axis coloration
• Very low self-noise (13 dB-A)
• Built-in high-pass filters and gentle presence boost
• Superior build quality

What sets the CMIT 5U apart is its remarkably natural sound quality and minimal off-axis coloration. Where many shotgun microphones suffer from unnatural sound when sources move off-axis, the Schoeps maintains consistent tonal quality. This comes at a premium price point (approximately $2,000+), making it suitable for productions with the highest audio standards.

Rode NTG5

The Rode NTG5 represents a newer generation of shotgun microphones that challenge the established options at a more accessible price point.

Key Features:

• Lightweight design (76g)
• Excellent rejection characteristics
• Low handling noise
• Circular acoustic ports for more natural sound
• Complete accessory kit included

The NTG5’s innovative acoustic design with circular ports helps create a more natural sound than traditional shotgun microphones. Its extremely light weight makes it ideal for extended boom pole operation, and the included comprehensive accessory kit provides excellent value. At around $500, it delivers performance that competes with microphones costing significantly more.

Rode NTG3

The Rode NTG3 has established itself as a popular alternative to the Sennheiser MKH 416, offering similar RF-bias condenser technology at a lower price point.

Key Features:

• RF-bias technology for excellent humidity resistance
• Low self-noise (13 dB-A)
• Durable metal construction
• Natural sound reproduction
• Included weather-resistant storage cylinder

At approximately $700, the NTG3 represents an excellent value proposition for professionals who need reliability in challenging environments without the premium price of industry-standard options. Its sound quality and rejection characteristics make it suitable for professional production.

Audio-Technica AT4073a

Audio-Technica’s AT4073a is a transformerless condenser shotgun microphone that offers a balance of performance and affordability.

Key Features:

• Smooth, natural sound quality
• Transformerless design for clean transient response
• Relatively compact size
• Good off-axis rejection
• Lower sensitivity to handling noise

The AT4073a delivers professional performance at a mid-range price point (approximately $700). Its transformerless design provides excellent transient response, making it particularly suitable for capturing fast, dynamic sound sources.

Sennheiser MKE 600

The Sennheiser MKE 600 bridges the gap between professional and entry-level shotgun microphones, offering Sennheiser’s renowned quality at a more accessible price.

Key Features:

• Good directivity and off-axis rejection
• Switchable low-cut filter
• Battery or phantom power operation
• Compact size
• Robust construction

At around $330, the MKE 600 represents an excellent entry point into professional-grade shotgun microphones. Its versatile powering options make it particularly valuable for use with cameras or recorders that don’t provide phantom power.

Rode NTG2

The Rode NTG2 has become a staple for independent filmmakers and content creators looking for professional sound on a budget.

Key Features:

• Dual power options (battery or phantom power)
• Robust build quality
• Decent off-axis rejection
• 5-year warranty
• Affordable price point

While it doesn’t offer the same level of rejection or sound quality as premium options, the NTG2 (approximately $270) delivers reliable performance for indie productions, documentaries, and field interviews. Its ability to operate on an internal AA battery makes it particularly versatile for field recording with consumer equipment.

Deity S-Mic 2

Deity has emerged as a competitive player in the affordable professional audio space, with their S-Mic 2 offering impressive performance.

Key Features:

• Brass body construction
• Low self-noise (16 dB-A)
• Good off-axis rejection
• Included shock mount and foam windshield
• Competitive pricing

The S-Mic 2 (around $350) has gained popularity for offering sound quality and directionality that approaches more expensive options. Its brass construction provides durability while contributing to a warm sound signature that many users find pleasing.

Azden SGM-250

The Azden SGM-250 offers a compelling compromise between performance and affordability.

Key Features:

• Dual powering options
• All-metal construction
• Integrated shock mount design
• Reasonably low self-noise
• 10-year warranty

At approximately $250, the SGM-250 represents excellent value, particularly with its extended warranty. While its technical specifications don’t match premium options, it delivers solid performance for documentary, event, and indie film production.

Sennheiser MKH 8060

The Sennheiser MKH 8060 represents a more compact, versatile option in Sennheiser’s premium lineup.

Key Features:

• Compact size compared to MKH 416
• Part of modular MKH 8000 series
• Exceptionally detailed sound
• Very low self-noise
• Excellent frequency response

The MKH 8060 (approximately $1,200) offers a slightly less aggressive directionality than the 416, which some users prefer for indoor applications. Its modular design allows for different powering and connection options, making it adaptable to various production requirements.

DPA 4017B

DPA’s reputation for pristine audio quality extends to their shotgun offering, the 4017B.

Key Features:

• Exceptionally transparent sound quality
• Natural off-axis response
• Very low self-noise
• Resistant to RF interference
• Compact size

The 4017B (approximately $1,800) is favored in scenarios where absolute sound quality is paramount. Its more natural sound and less aggressive off-axis rejection make it particularly suitable for indoor dialogue recording in controlled environments.

Sanken CS-3e

The Sanken CS-3e is a specialized shotgun microphone designed to maintain directionality across the entire frequency spectrum.

Key Features:

• Three-capsule design for consistent directionality
• Extended reach without length
• Minimal proximity effect
• Handles high SPL
• Weather resistant

At approximately $1,500, the CS-3e represents specialized technology for challenging recording environments. Its unique three-capsule design helps maintain directionality even at lower frequencies where most shotgun microphones become less directional.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right shotgun microphone involves balancing technical requirements, application needs, and budget constraints. While premium options like the Sennheiser MKH 416 and Schoeps CMIT 5U continue to define industry standards, manufacturers like Rode, Deity, and Audio-Technica have democratized access to quality directional microphones.

For professionals, investing in established industry standards often makes sense for their reliability, resale value, and known sound characteristics. For independent creators, the mid-range and budget options offer tremendous value, delivering performance that would have been unattainable at these price points just a few years ago.

Regardless of price point, the most critical factor remains matching the microphone to its intended application and developing proper technique. Even the most expensive shotgun microphone will underperform if improperly positioned or used in inappropriate acoustic environments.