On the very sensitive condenser mics, a furry windsock will help to disperse the wind and diffuse it upon impact. To guard against rain, use lots of ScotchGuard spray. Hogs hair is a thicket type material that will break up the raindrops and prevent the pitter patter sound of them striking the windscreen, roof of a vehicle, or roof of a recording stage. Long shotguns may also be used on some interiors, providing that the room or sound stage is very large and free of echo. They offer the advantage of increased overhead range and headroom on wide shots.
Interior locations are usually better off being miked with a short shotgun.
The short shotgun features a slightly wider pattern and slightly less range, but does not exaggerate the room echo as much. The wider pattern and physically shorter length of theses mics facilitates use with lower ceilings, especially when it comes to covering multiple actors. 416 has a fairly tight pattern, and can double for exterior work. The extinct Senn. 435 offered a wider pattern than the 416, less range but also less echo.