Originally Posted by studer58 ➡️

If there was a way to incorporate the typical twist-to-lock telescopic fishing rod (pole) mechanism between the inner/outer tubes as you’ve described above, you’d have a secure and repeatable length extension for each arm…but I’ve never seen such a thing advertised?

My preferred support method would be 2 x round base mic stands, either side of the conductor podium, each supporting the first 1/3 of the entire pole. You’d get much less (if any) flexing of the pole, due to its 1/3 and 2/3 (of total length) dual supports.

Also, for video purposes, the conductor can take their bows to the audience without hitting forehead on central mic stand, and provides a clear line of sight for cameras.

Only downside is it takes 2 people in unison to raise and lower the stands…but if you’re recording a chamber group or orchestra, there’s never a shortage of team-centric helping hands.