Mic recommendations - Rode NTG-2?

["Drew Panko" Drew_Panko]

Hi all,

Thanks to the advice of several members of this group I've got an excellent=

field recording outfit.  I'm using a Sony D-50 with a Telinga and I am very=

satisfied with the results.

I am also impressed with the built-in mics of the D-50, they're good, but
they're not adequate for recording bird song in most situations.

I want to buy an easy to carry mic to use with the D-50 on long treks when=

I do not want to lug the Telinga along and one which will improve the
performance over that with the built in mics.

I would be satisfied with mono recording.  I'm considering a shotgun mic
for the easy carry outfit.  Would the Rode NTG-2 be a good choice (what is=

their noise floor)?  Or the Rode NT-1A?  Or one of the
Sennheisers?  Which?  Any other recommendations?  My priorities are low
self noise, low handling sensitivity, durability & ruggedness, and, of
course, reasonable price (I'm thinking $500 or so).  Rejection of noise
from the sides & behind would be a bonus.  And, of course it must work with=

the Sony D-50.

=85..Ok, ok, I'm asking a lot.

Drew