Sennheiser - e 965

Shure beta sm87 for lower stage volume band or Shure sm58 for loud band. The 87 has more top end and cab be more difficult to control at higher volume levels. Sennheiser e865 or e965 are also good choices. Truth is you should demo any of these before purchasing. At least do a lot of research if there's no place near to demo them.

e965 is really good. The rest I agree on your take.

I LOVE their condensers (865, 965), but I share your disdain for the 835. 845 is more usable, 935 and 945 are usable, but I don't love them.

That is surprising to hear! We have a very tumultuous relationship with the 865, massive handling noise and not very flattering for any bad technique at all. The 965 on the other hand, absolutely amazing mic, sounds like a lot of other large diaphragm condenser mics, but can be used on a wireless transmitter!

The e8xx are the budget range, you can't expect too much from them. There is a reason they are cheap. A better comparison would be the e9xx mics. I much prefer my e935s to the SM58.

e835 is just cheap junk.... e845 is a little better but still not great, both are a fraction of the price of a 58, which is why you see them, they're cheaper than a 58 and sound better than most other options at the same price point. e900 series are the ones that are supposed to sound decent and I'd rate them above a 58 However, the best value dynamic currently available (IMO) is the SE v7... Its the same price as a 58 but sounds better than an e945 (IMO)