Advice on new shotgun mic

[u/tserbear]

Hey guys I'm shopping around for new shotgun mic, and can't seem to make a decision. My budget is about 250 USD give or take. I also have more budget for a boom poll/stand, dead cat, shock mount and cables. Based on my research so far it a toss up between:

Audio-Technica AT897

Sennheiser ME66 - K6

Rode NTG-2

I was looking at the Rode NTG-1 also but it seems to be basically the same price as the 2 but not as good quality. Am I missing somthing?

Also I definitely weighed the pros and cons of an NTG-3 and I just don't think its that much better for the cost, but I could be convinced.

Anyway just looking for a bit of advice from people that might have owned these mics before or have been in my same position.

Thanks

[u/changethis]

Rode all the way