EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the use of our report dated May 29, 1998, in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Veeco Instruments, Inc. for the registration of 3,575,000 shares of its common stock. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Melville, New York January 11, 1999