Shotgun Mics for hand held field use

[Gumbo]

I am a visual artist who is now wanting to add sound to my work. I have a Tascam prota studio that is about 20 years old and I just recently purchased a Zoom H4. I have been collecting sound from the environment with the H4's built in mic and an old Shure 588SD Unisphere B. Due to the fact that I cannot isolate sounds with either of these mics I am looking to buy a shotgun mic. The majority of use will be hand held while walking in a variety of locations such as city streets, woods, corn fields, etc. so a boom is unrealistic. I have been recommended a Rode NTG-2 but am seeking advise from someone who would be using mics in this way. I like the versatility of the Azden SGM-2X but am unsure how it would function in my application. After collecting these sounds I am editing on Garage Band and have tinkered with Cubase.
Any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated.

[zimv20]

the mic will not be on camera, correct? (meaning: it's not a shoot with an on-screen interviewer holding a mic)

if i were looking for a shotgun mic and didn't feel like spending the money on a schoeps (which are awesome), i'd be looking at the brand Sanken. B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/) carries them and could talk through your needs.

whatever you get, you'll want a pistol grip for it, like this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/263721-REG/Rycote_033702_Medium_Hole_Softie_Mount.html). or if you'll be outdoors, you probably want the whole fuzzy-monkey/zeppelin kit, such as this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/301602-REG/PSC_FPSC0047A_WINDBOSS_Zeppelin_Windscreen_System.html).

[CalumC]

if i were looking for a shotgun mic and didn't feel like spending the money on a schoeps (which are awesome)[/url].

Beat me to it. I use CMC6u cardioids for drum overheads, absolute monster.