Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 too heavy?

I'm upgrading from a nikon d300 to a d610 and I'm torn about buying it with the kit lens or buying body only and buying the 24-70 2.8. Obviously the 24-70 is the better performing lens, but I'll be travelling to the uk for the first time and I'm just worried the lens would be too heavy to cart around all day. Also, my hands aren't the steadiest and the 24-85 does have vr (for static subjects)

My only fx lens at the moment is the 50mm 1.8 and that isn't a good travel lens as it's not wide enough

Any thoughts?

I agree, I personally hate large, heavy lenses. However, carrying a small shoulder bag with 3 small, light, but fast and high quality prime lenses is an excellent alternative, at least to me. You already have the 50, get something like a 24 or 28 and an 85 to give you some very good focal length options. Unless you are a pro wedding or sports photographer, I really don't see the need for a zoom lens.

As a long term Nikon user can I suggest you look to buying the 24-120 f4 Nikon lens which will cover a large amount of your needs (and has image stabiliser). Since buying my first 24-120 F4.5-5.6 some 5 years ago (and replacing it 18 months ago- when damaged - by the f4 version) I have travelled from the UK to the Harz Mountains in Germany (2 times); Switzerland (3 times) and travelled extensively throughout the UK using MAINLY this single lens. It may be expensive (as I don't know your local pricing) but in the UK I spent £900:00 to buy the lens + UV Filter and think the cost worth every penny for the results I have achieved.

Some of my railway work is published and although I submit images at 10" x 6.66" the publishers have blown them up to 24" x 16" with little loss of image quality - so I can recommend this lens without hesitation.

The 50 mm lens is far too limiting for travel.

I have a 24-70 mm lens and it is really not all that heavy.

If you want a lighter lens, look for a good used Nikkor AF 24-85 mm f/2~4.0 lens.

You really have not held a heavy lens until you have shot using a D3s and 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens over the period of eight hours or so.

When shooting sports, I use a 300 mm f/2.8 and 400 mm f/2.8. Now those lenses are actually heavy.

As you can see, "heavy" is relative term.

I hope you plan on keeping your D300 for those times you need the extra reach.