I own the Canon 10x30-IS, the 18x50-IS, and the Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX. Over many astronomy sessions, I feel comfortable stating that the 18x50-IS are virtually a match for the vaunted 16x70 Fujinons. I have never used the 10x30-IS for astronomy, but terrestrially they are superb. Their brightness, clarity, and field flatness are unsurpassed at 30mm aperture, and do better than most 50mm binoculars. When you put the 10x30-IS to your eye, they literally "disappear". Try a pair and you'll discover how amazing they are.
The way the Canon 18x50-IS and the Fujinon 16x70 FMT-SX match is interesting. The 18x50-IS shows slightly fewer stars (collects slightly less light), but the contrast is improved over the 16x70s. So for deep space objects, the 18x50-IS catches the faint globulars and nebulas better than the larger Fujinons. The higher magnification increases contrast by darkening the sky. On double stars, they both are wonderful. Same goes with a true flat field view. I have done diffraction ring star testing on both (as much as is possible with the low magnifications), and even with the Image Stabilizing engaged, the in/out of focus patterns are nearly perfect. Stars are perfect dots.
For cruising around the Milky Way, I prefer the Fujinons because they bring out fainter stars. But many a time, when I couldn't find a particular Messier object in the Fujinons, I reached for the Canon 18x50-IS binoculars and found it quickly.
I end up using the Canon 18x50-IS more often. They travel with me around the world, and there is no better "grab and go" option in Astronomy having magnification greater than 10x. Highly recommended.
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Gary
Collins I3 (Thin Film) Image Intensifying Eyepiece
Coronado Maxscope Double Stacked 90mm <0.5A w/BF30
6" f/8 TMB/A&M Carbon Fiber APO; f/5 with 4" Borg ED Field Flattener/Reducer
8" Starmaster Versa V8/Zambuto Mirror/ServoCat Jr
15", 20", & 30" Obsession/OMI Mirror/ServoCat/Argo Navis
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