Agree that #2 is preferable, but I am not sufficiently skilled to make a compelling story of "Why!"

NO, NO, a thousand times NO! My wife’s family close to use a relative for our ceremony; there occurred an unknown camera error & when our children ask to see our wedding pics, we merely change the subject.

When our daughters married, we hired one of our cities’ top pros & have great memories!

My wife & I travel to Europe regularly; generally 2X/yr. in my crop sensor years (D90, D300S) took NIKKOR 17-55f/2.8. Once I also took a Sigma 18-270 & while I liked the reach, didn’t use it enough to warrant lens change.

Now use FF D700 w/Nikkor 24-70f/2.8 & couldn’t be happier. Traveled last year w/guy w/28-300(?); was somewhat intrigued, but will not pull the trigger before this yrs trips.

Travel lite is best suggestion!

These look interesting; I use their power tools & am always surprised @ their staying power.

I have used these whilst traveling in Europe; didn’t want to recharge nightly simply as a mater of convenience. They worked well and held a charge for a couple of days....(3 maybe??)

Might want to experiment @ home to see their level of efficiency.

Salient points, all. The premise reminds me of the old punch line, "I wouldn't have said that!" I am 75, overweight and a cancer survivor, and I carry a D700 & Nikkor 24-70 f/2.8 when I go out and about. Maybe some day, but....

Had a friend who ran large data centers for a technology company; asked him mid-1999 what he was going to do (personally) to address the upcoming Y2K "crisis." He said that he would withdraw 1 months financial needs on 12/31 and that would see him through any issues until things got sorted out. As the year moved on, his projected cash needs diminished until on NYE, he withdrew enough pocket money for the evening.

I think I will worry about mirrorless and the demise of my beloved D700 when I see the absolute need to do so.

Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 on a Nikon FF...

BTW, no “snarkiness” intended, but I took a look at the B&H website & they have the D800 as “discontinued.

I recognize that it has been superseded by all the D8XXs but that is an odd proclamation dou a vendor. Maybe they simply don’t want to fool with it.

I have used a D700 for several years and transfer the images via a card reader that attaches to my MacBookAir USB port without incident (yet). I have not tried a cable, so have no experience. My guess, however, is that you have a cable issue. Hopefully, you get this resolved quickly.

I have both lens that I use on a D700; I initially used the 24-120, as it was my 1st FF lens. When I stepped up to the 24-70, I found that it offers superior sharpness and I can stand the loss of range. When we travel (other than grandchildren, my primary photo usage), I use the 24-70 95% of the time, but I carry the 24-120 as a capable back-up lens.

I lack the chops of the vast majority of posters here, but that is my experience.

I use a Nikon D700 and while I mainly use Nikon-brand batteries, one day I thought I needed an extra battery and went to a place called "BatteryPlus" to buy an aftermarket battery. It has worked well for several years. Just one man's opinion.....

I shoot w/Nikon D700; 1st FF lens was a 24-120; later I bought a 24-70 monster. Though it is heavier than the 24-120, the extra reach of the 24-120 is nice. With all that being said, I still have the 24-70 as my “go to” lens.

Been to Italy many, many times. In my cropped frame days, I used to carry a D300S & would use a 17-55 F/2.8 one trip & a Sigma 18-270 the next time. Before that, would take a D90 with assorted lens -- 16-85, 10-24, but soon tired of swapping glass. Since I moved to FF, use a D700 with a 24-70 F/2.8. I also have a 24-120 F/4, but while it is longer, the 24-70 seems to be superior. I have thought about upgrading to either a D610 or D810. but can't pull the trigger. Given the plethora of advice you have received, not sure mine adds much of substance, but have enjoyed the conversation.