The new MKE 600 shotgun mic from Sennheiser will compete with the NTG-2 and AT897 (probably a bit more expensive with a $400/£250 list price), being able to use a battery for phantom power. Although Sennheiser tends to make very nice mics we'll just have to see how they do with a "budget" product. I'll put my bet on Sennheiser; but I've been wrong before... 
http://en-de.sennheiser.com/news/mke-600-shotgun-microphone-for-video-journalists
It's usually the time to buy, as lots of companies have special offers when introducing a new product. Remember when the NTG-3 was introduced it came with a boom-pole?
http://en-de.sennheiser.com/news/mke-600-shotgun-microphone-for-video-journalists
It's usually the time to buy, as lots of companies have special offers when introducing a new product. Remember when the NTG-3 was introduced it came with a boom-pole?