A telescoping mast assembly having a mast axis and comprising a plurality of telescoping mast sections having axially opposite ends and being axially slidable relative to one another along the mast axis between retracted and extended positions, the telescoping mast sections including a base tube adapted to be fixed to a support surface and an innermost telescoping section, and wherein the innermost telescoping section supports a cylindrical nest lock platform assembly adapted to cover an axial end of the base tube when the mast assembly is in the retracted position, wherein each telescoping mast section includes an internal collar and a cylindrical body and the nest lock platform assembly includes a payload platform and one or more wedges that mate with corresponding notches in the internal collar.