Sennheiser MKH 416-P48U3

The 416 has a legendary sound profile. It's crisp, clear, and has a slight presence boost that makes dialogue cut through any mix with perfect intelligibility. Its off-axis rejection is superb, meaning it does an excellent job of isolating the sound source from background noise. This is my go-to microphone for capturing clean audio in challenging environments.
This microphone is built like a tank. The all-metal body is incredibly robust. Its most famous feature is its high resistance to humidity and adverse weather conditions, which is why it's a favorite for outdoor shoots. I've had it in damp forests and dusty locations, and it performs flawlessly every time.
While the initial price is high, it's a true "buy it for life" investment. The cost is immediately justified by its reliability and broadcast-ready sound. It's primarily a boom mic, but it also excels for voice-over work in the studio, offering that classic, punchy VO sound.
The only reason I gave 4 stars for "Features/Accessories" is that it comes with the basics (a standard clip and a foam windscreen). For professional use, you will immediately need to invest in a proper shock mount and blimp/windjammer, but this is standard for any high-end shotgun mic.
If you are a serious audio professional, this is the mic to get. It's a cornerstone piece of equipment that will pay for itself in quality and reliability over a long career. Highly recommended.