Is the Canon Digital Rebel Xti the best SLR camera to buy?

Also if I buy it, which lens would be best to use for shooting closeups at baseball and other sporting events? Would this lens be a seperate purchase?

It's not the best but it's a great entry level dSLR. It might be the best dSLR under $1000 if that is what you meant.

You can get a body only from Amazon.com for around $699. Canon sells a bunch of telephoto lenses which would be good for sports. It would depend on your budget.

I use the 28-135mm IS lens as my walkaround lens. Great piece of glass.

The 18-5mm kit lens isn't the best quality but it does give you a wide angle for not much $.

You have a tons of lenses to choose from. Check out Canon's line (and EF 101) and if you have questions on a particular lens, post a new message.

I read that alot of people like the xt instead of the xti
go to link below

For close up at baseball games buy a Canon 70-200mm f4 L lens or if your budget cannot go that far get Sigma 70-300mm APO f4-5.6

I own it so I would recommond it but of course its not the BEST SLR out there. Its a comsumer product so its aimed for comsumers. Its still a really nice camera. It does the job pretty good for a camera under $1000. I cant complain with the imagine quality. It comes out really nice.

For your lens, I would recommond any lens that goes at f/2.8 or lower. But since its baseball probably you will want the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L lens. Thats $1000 there. =) There are cheaper alternatives but I love the 70-200mm lens and it takes outstanding pictures. There is a 70-200mm f/4 for $500 but that will not allow as much light in as the f/2.8.