Manfrotto 700RC2 head , Oben CT 2331 and CT 2431 tripods

[Shrek]

I've been using the Manfrotto 700RC2 head for months now. First hunting in Montana this fall and birding just about every weekend since. It started out great but in the last month it has gone down hill. About a month ago I started to notice play in the base and it has gotten worse. Today it has been a bit jerky in the virtical plane as well.
I guess I'm going to find out how good the service is .
Next up is the two tripods. I've been using the Oben CT 2331 all fall and liked its performance very much but didn't like the length collapsed. I decided to try the four section version that collapses shorter. The new CT 2431 fits great info my T1 but after a half dozen days of using it I've decided it's a bust. The thinner legs and extra joint make it too weak. It shakes too much when extended to use. Sitting it is great but if it's restricted to sitting use only I could find an even lighter tripod.
I have put my CT 2331 back into my pack at this point and I'm back to looking for an affordable head that is smooth and will stay smooth. Any suggestions ?

 

[Hungarydog]

On the 700rc2 did you try adjusting the Allen screw under the plastic cap in the middle?

 

[Outwest]

I have noticed a little play in the pan adjustment on the 700c2 but not really enough to make a huge difference for me. That is if you are talking about the slight back and forth motion from the head over the baseplate? I didn't even know there were allen screws under there until hugarydog's post! I loosened up the screw for the tilt adjustment just slightly and it took care of the bit of 'bite' there was in the tilt. I didn't see any difference when I loosened the larger screw for the pan though.

 

[Shrek]

No , not yet. I'm going to look at that before I send it off.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I also have a very slight amount of play in the tilt....it's only apparent when the binos are at such an angle that they are nearly balanced perfectly over the mount. Nevertheless, it does annoy me.